Co-op City Times 5/6/2023

Riverbay Board of Directors Election Supplement (see pgs. 27-34)

Voting in Progress in 2023

Riverbay Board Election

Voting period ends Friday, May 26, 2023

BY ROZAAN BOONE

reported receiving 359 electronic ballots in the 2023 Board of Director election not yet available.

help+riverbay@yeselections.com to request a replacement ballot. Shareholders who have questions about their balenvelope that accompanied the ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by May

Candidates Debate Quality Candidates’ Forum,

April 26

BY ROZAAN BOONE

of Directors election held on p.m. at the Dreiser Auditorium was moderated by Board Direc-

candidates were in attendance and each presented a 2-minuteham had a previously scheduled assignment. Her opening statement was read by her team-

The first Candidates’ Forum of the 2023 Board election cycle took place on April 26 at Dreiser Auditorium. The broadcast is available on the Riverbay Crawler at 10 a.m., 8 p.m., and 3 a.m., daily, and on YouTube.

Opening statements were followed by the question and answer period and each candidate was allowed two -

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BSA Public Hearing Scheduled for 500 Baychester Ave. Developers

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Developers of the property at 500 Baychester Avenue are seeking another appeal to a NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) ruling.

seeking an appeal to a DOB ruling that revoked “permits for an advertising sign in a C7 zonStandards and Appeals (BSA) press release.

The BSA will hold a hybrid public hearing on the agenda for that hearing will include thelive streamed online at nyc.gov/bsa or on the BSA YouTube channel. Participants can also attend the in-person portion of the public hear-bsa/contact-bsa/public-comments.page.

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Q. Our community was conceptualized to be a self-contained utopia. What is your vision for Co-op City?

Shana Montgomery:sibility of the Board members and Co-op City residents to work together as one tothat makes no sense that that was supposed to go to food. How long are we going to we realize that people are choosing between food and paying their rent? The lines -

nity and we want to be able to afford to live here…We want to be able to sustain the affordability as well as maintain the conditions.

Sonia Feliciano:-

seeking funding sources for our environment. Collaboration – build upon a com-provide to our shareholders and residents. And communications – clear and con-

ing a connection with the residents of this community and we have to do that better.

for May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bishop Angelo Rosario: it looks like some place called a paradise. And if we are living in a place called parwe have and that means we have to invest in our paradise. We have to buy fertilizer to keep everything going so that we could develop together and we could grow our community. We live in a real world; this is a business that we live in and everything continues to climb and skyrocket every which way

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NYC Board of Standards will hear another appeal from developers of 500 Baychester Ave. on the DOB’s ruling against LED advertising signs at the site. The public hearing is scheduled

Photo by Brandon Ortiz

Photo by Rozaan Boone

Voting ––– (Continued from page 1)

Board of Directors, each for a term of three years.tion are Leah Graham, Shanauzelda Montgomery, Sonia Feliciano, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Bernard Cylich, Claudia Sampson and Andrea Leslie. -

April 26, in the Dreiser Auditorium, is published in this issue of the Co-op City Times. On Saturday, May 13, the second forum, which took place in the Einstein Center on Saturday, April 29, will be covered in the Co-op Times, and the following Saturday, in the May 20th issue of the paper, the third Candidates’ Forum will be reported on.lished Saturday, April 15, is reprinted on pages 27-34 of the newspaper. For the next two consecutive weeks, Election Supplements #2 and #3 will be republished on Saturday, May 13 and 20, respectively.

YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/l-3VD3dSdQ8 (lower case “el”-3VD3dSdQ8) or scan the QR code embedded above. Forum #1 is also being broadcast at 10 a.m., 8 p.m., and 3 a.m. daily on the Riverbay Crawler which is accessible on channel 12 for master antenna (MATV) subscribers, and channel 591 for Altice subscribers. Stay tuned to the Crawler for Forums #2 & 3, which will soon be added to the schedule.

“Thank you to everyone who submitted your questions and attended any of the three Riverbay Board of Director’s Candidates’ Forums,” said Board Director Lyquantity of responses, we were unable to get to all of them, but hope that we pro-

vided feedback on the forums’ format, we heard you and will be making recommendations on how the formatting can be all encompassing to include all shareholders’ needs, abilities, and respecting their autonomy when asking questions to candidates.

“For those who were unable to attend, you can view them on our local MATV channel or on-demand on our YouTube participation is what’s needed to keep our community representative of shareholders’ needs. This community thrives through its ability to choose those who we believe are the best representation of ourselves and make the legislative and

didates by returning your ballot via prepaid envelope or by voting online at riverbayvotes.com. If your ballot is lost or you did not receive it, please call YesEthe rebroadcast and the re-printing, you have enough information to vote with

holders Kenneth Graham and Blossom Johns. The committee is assisted by Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss and Charles Cooper of the Legal department.

500 Baychester –––––– (Continued

After navigating to the public comment website, shareholders should put “2022-69-A thru 2022-75-A” in the prompt box that asks for the BSA Calendar number. Next, shareholders should provide the address: “2001 Bartow Avenue aka 500 Baychester Avenue, Bronx – Block 5141, Lot 101,” in the prompt box that asks for the property address. Lastly, the bottom prompt box on the website is where shareholders can type their comments.

Court records show that Baychester Retail III LLC has attempted to erect their LED sign since 2013.

Originally, Baychester Retail III LLC’s application was denied by DOB because the surface area of the sign exceeded the legal limits of such a structure near an arterial highway. Baychester Retail III LLC subsequently appealed the DOB’s original decision to the BSA, which upheld the DOB’s ruling in 2016.

cle 78 proceeding and brought the case to the New York State Appeals Court, which ultimately sided with BSA.

developers resubmitted a new modithe advertising structure approved. Ulalso denied as the BSA wrote in their 2018 resolution that the changes in the new application were a “distinction without a difference.”

Also in 2018, Co-op City residents expressed opposition to the 60-foot structure used to advertise with large LED panels. Shareholders expressed

from page 1)

their concerns that the bright LED panels were disruptive to sleep, especially those in Building 15, which faced the large structure. Shareholders with children were also concerned that the monopole advertised alcoholic products in such a close proximity to Education Park.

Shareholders expressed concern again in 2019 when a massive 90-foot turbine was constructed on the same lot as the LED advertising structure. On December 30, 2019, strong winds caused the top of the turbine to fall apart along with a connecting pole. Those broken pieces came crashing down onto the intersection below, with the pole crushing a sedan that was parked on the street.

Luckily, no injuries were reported as a result of the fallen turbine. Baychester Retail III LLC was forced to pay $6,250 in penalties to DOB as a result of their turbine collapse, as detailed online in DOB’s January 2021 Enforcement Bulletin.

Community Board #10 District Manager Matthew Cruz explained his continued opposition of the proposed advertising sign to the Co-op City Times earlier this week, calling the proposal a “detriment to the community.” Mr. Cruz also highlighted that the LED signs would cause “a quality of life issue we could not measure.”

In addition, Mr. Cruz emphasized that shareholders are encouraged to reach out to Community Board #10 with any questions about construction going on in the area. Shareholders can contact Community Board #10 at 718892-1161 or email bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

Co-op City Times

Forum

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(Continued from page 1)

Candidates’ Forum #1 Broadcast Schedule

Shareholders can now tune in to the Riverbay Crawler at 10 a.m., 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily to view

Forum of the 2023 Riverbay Board election. The Crawler is accessible on channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice). The broadcast is also on the Riverbay YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/l-3VD3dSdQ8 (lower case “el”-3VD3dSdQ8). Scan the QR code above to be connected.

Next CB #10 Board Meeting

The next meeting of Community Board #10’s full board and public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m., at Bartow Center, Room 31. All are invited to attend.

Mammography Van in Co-op City, May 13

Women in Co-op City, in conjunction with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Project Renewal, will be sponsoring a free Mobile Mammography ScanVan in Co-op City, Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. outside Baychester Library

All insurance plans accepted. Co-payments and deductibles are waived. This service is free for uninsured women 40 and older. This program is for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. An appointment is necessary. Please call (646) 415-7932.

Coffee With Mike

Assemblyman Mike Benedetto will host another Coffee with Mike on Saturday, May 27, 9:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. at 133 Einstein Loop. All are invited to attend and share your thoughts and comments with the assemblyman.

we go, everyone all over the city is having problems, every time we look around, there’s a raise in everything else and how do we make it better to be able to keep it affordable for everyone? Not only for our seniors but for everyone that live here because there are people that are living from one paycheck to the next, but at the same time, if we do not pay our carrying charges, we cannot pay for the work that needs to be done to pay the oil and all the other things that are here. In real business, this is something that we have to also think about. I have a bleeding heart for the children and for my seniors and everybody else, but in reality, I still have to be able to make the business decisions that are needed to keep this affordable especially here with everything that continues to climb all around us. How do we do that? So we have to try and do it to the best of our ability by working together and becoming one unit that’s going to make a difference.

Bernard Cylich: First, we can’t ignore the fact that despite the fact that our carrying charge is probably the best deal in town, yet we were victims of hundreds of millions of dollars of thefts and corruption when this place was being built and during the time, in fact, a general manager went to jail, and a former president went to jail for kickbacks and bribery, but nevertheless, we overcame that and we have … one of the lowest crime rates in the city and we have, of course, comfortable homes, heat and hot water and air conditioning, and they areing convector systems. However, one of the things I think we need to reestablish is the Congress. We had a Congress when that and we need to have some vision of establishing a youth center with swimming pools. Yes, we deserve that, we deserve the best kind of amenities that we can get and that’s my vision for us in the future.

Claudia Sampson: I’d like to address the question as to what exactly it is that I, as a member of the Board, can do and I’m going to make it very simple. We are the largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) in the country. Many people here were not subscribing for SCRIE. I brought the SCRIE program here in December to help people complete their applications. We had standing room, we had over everybody is eligible for SCRIE but there were people there that got help so that’s one example. We also have food pantries. I know a lot of people frown on them but they are essential and I was trying to apply for FeedNYC and I was told we were not eligible because we didn’t have a food pantry and I found out that we do have a food pantry in Section Five, but they gave me a little bit of leeway but when I was told that we

and planning for your household is a workshop we sponsored through the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing and lots of people came to that event. Extending the Farmers’ Market, we need to do that year-round so people can get fresh vegetables.

Andrea Leslie: Strange enough right here, some of the things I wrote about is working toward the fullness of Co-op City’s destiny. Co-op City was created so that it would be affordable for working people, the average working person and to create cooperative living. One of the things that we haven’t been able to do which I constantly keep trying to do, the utopia that I see is us being more of a participatory community and making sure that when it’s time to vote for the governance of your community that you come out to vote. That’s my utopia because everything starts usually from the ground up. Until everybody is participating the way that we should, then we won’t have the utopia that we are planning for.

Q: As the neighborhood around Co-op City changes, the Hutchinson River Parkway ramp construction, theroad station construction and parking, etc., how are you going to make sure Co-op City’s needs are considered in those changes? (Asked by Ezekiel Springer, Building 32B.)

ate the changes that we need. You see, in voting and protesting, that’s where change comes and we are only one community, one wonderful race that is living together in one beautiful community to make changes, and together, we could make those changes and help make sure that what we need in our community, that if you look around everything continues to change, … together we could ask them what we need and what we could do to make it better for ourselves. But two or three people can’t do it. We have a wonderful Board and we have a lot of talent on this Board and we have different talents that we work together to be able to make those changes. If you vote for the Impact Team to continue to work with the other Board members that are there, Claudia Sampson, Sonia Feliciano, Bernie Cylich, Andrea Leslie and myself, together, we could continue to do the changes and the things that we need to be able to do so we could keep this safer for ourselves and everyone else.

Andrea Leslie: Bishop Rosario spoke on what I think will really help to make that difference, us having a close relationour needs are and in that situation, they won’t be making decisions without knowing exactly what it is that we need. We constantly have to be at the table with them in order to make sure that we are getting all that we need and what is deserving for us.

Claudia Sampson: I’m a big believer in strategic partnerships. We have over 42 community based organizations in our community but we have yet to leverage those relationships. We need to do a better job, so we don’t have to go outside of the

it is that other people do and this way, we can engage them. I and communicating. What we did do recently is we invited the City Sheriff to come and speak to my committee which I chair on Safety and Quality of Life because we were concerned about the cannabis situation and the vans on the street and he explained to us what exactly their limitations are but we are still working to try and get something done to make our community safe for ourselves as well as our children so that would be my ask if I had a chance to make it work. I would start with safety and quality of life improvements.

Bernard Cylich: Sometimes, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and we have to learn from others in the past. Well, we have something to learn too here in Co-op City and that is the that you know of and there was demonstration after demonstration after folks were hurt and even we had fatalities untilers there. Well, I don’t know what kind of brainless people we have in the DOT but they came up with a scheme of compromising that and we organized demonstrations. I’m sorry, sometimes you don’t win, but I’m afraid of the fatalities that could occur with these new design of Killer Curve. In regard to the station, yes, we all welcome, however, there’s a problem with it and that is there’s no parking and that is going to be a bottleneck there. We demonstrated and we asked the politicians to begin to plan something, to do something, we need a parking garage for those folks who will come to use it, otherwise it’s going to be really a problem, a real problem.

Help make the quorum –5,002 ballots are needed. Vote by May 26, 2023.

Bishop Angelo Rosario: I guess we look at a changing world that continues to change and we’re living in this partic-cials and everyone else to be able to minimize the problems that we have and get the help that we need from each other not the Board, but the whole community working together, we

Sonia Feliciano: Do you know that our biggest voting bloc is us and we don’t exercise it, we don’t vote? Even in these Riverbay elections, we sometimes don’t get a quorum and then it’s weeks before we do get a quorum to try to get folks to vote. It’s about engagement, it’s about community, and one of thecials because they are integral to what we need. We’ve beening that conversation. We’ve put in for numerous grants to be able to at least get some seed money to at least start construction of the youth center but we need a lot more. We need you, as members of this community, as shareholders of this community, because we are not tenants, we are not renters, we own,cials to provide us with the things we need. A youth center is something that we should have. I hate seeing these young people just hanging out in the buildings…We just need to have more engagement.

Shana Montgomery: Transparency all across the board. We need to let shareholders know exactly what is going on, when it’s going on, why it’s going on

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Forum –––––– (Continued from page 3)

and how much money it will cost us in the long run. We can dance around questions all day but the fact of the matter is when you feel disenfranchised, you don’t want to come anywhere, you don’t want to vote, you don’t want to do anything. We have to engage shareholders and let them know, … we want your input so whether it be the parking garage, ask Section Five how they feel and what suggestions they may have that will help with the parking situation and everything else. When we don’t include the shareholders, why would you want to be included? If all decisions are made behind closed doors, and not that I know what’s going on behind closed doors, however, if all the decisions are being made behind closed doors, how do you feel like you have a voice? I would never feel like I have a voice if nobody’s telling want to be included in the plans. We don’t tell politicians … politicians don’t tell us what they are going to do for our community; this is our community, we are going to tell them what we want and we’re going to demand what we want and we’re going to show up and we’re going to show out. We have to make the effort, we have to really just put boots on the ground; I’m not in the Board Room, but I am all over Co-op City seeing what’s happening. And we talk about a youth center. I’m all for advocating for youth, all for it, I’m a teacher, 22 years and counting, I’ve advocated for youth for so long. It’s not a matter of just advocating for youth, it’s advocating for the community that houses youth and their parents.

Q: Are the garage attendants returning? I get worried anytime I enter a garage off-hours. In light of the recent carjacking in Garage #6, are there any plans to bring them back in the evenings? (Asked by Stacey Archer, Building 29, and directed to the Impact Team.)

Andrea Leslie: That’s a situation, unfortunately, that occurred. It is a rare situation for our community as our crime rate is very low. That’s part of the reason why the 45th Precinct only gives us one sector car even though we’ve asked for more. passed, in order for it not to have increases that we didn’t want to pass on to shareholders, that was one of the things that we wanted to move. We have to evaluate whether an attendant there would have made a difference in order for us to make that determination to have garage attendants back. We’re not sure what the garage attendant’s impact would have been in that situation so we cannot just react. We know it’s a safety issue and we have to pay attention to that, but we’re not going to simply react in order to make a false safety issue for shareholders. We have to actually know it’s going to make an impact.

Claudia Sampson: We have taken a really close look. Has there been an uptick in any incidents since we eliminated those positions? Absolutely not. In fact,

the garage and the attendant never makes eye contact with me and I kind of started feeling as though that is not making me safe. I know that people come out of the ga-

on this and maybe people don’t know it, but their eyes are there, those cameras are working. All that I need you to do is understand that by eliminating the position does our community safe, and we have not seen any impact by removing the garage attendants from their stations.

Bishop Angelo Rosario: Our garage attendants, they do very good work watching us go in and out but one of the things that they could not do is walk around the

verters that were stolen, cars that were stolen and they couldn’t make a difference in that particular area but we established other means to try to secure our garages and rid of them because they are still going to have their jobs. The problem is they are being shifted but the idea is how do we continue to make sure that our garages are safe and that when you or I come out of the garage, or my daughter comes out of the garage, that everything is ok? And the only thing that we could do right now is create those cameras that are going to be able to change the game plan that we have here because other than that, there’s no other way for us to do it because the attendants aren’t going to be there. He sits in the booth, he watches us come in and out and if we can’t get out, he lets us out. We want to be able to be fair to everyone but we want to be fair more to our cooperators by trying to save some funds to be able to make the decisions that we need to be able to make with our dollars.

Sonia Feliciano: I just wanted to echo what Bishop said and what Ms. Sampson said in terms of the garages. So, the plan is to repurpose our attendants in some other jobs. We are the lowest crime rate in comparison with Throgs Neck and Pelham Bay where they are having problems with crime, we are the lowest. I agree entering the boxes. Those boxes have cameras, they can see you. The dispatcher is sitting in a -

the garage and … I get home late and I personally feel safe leaving those garages in the evening … I feel that in order to be able to save us some money, we needed to change the way we’re running our business in terms of that.

Bernard Cylich: Some get confused that perception is everything. In fact, it’s not. And fact is, facts do count. When the lobby attendant had to be terminated during Covid because we couldn’t have them in the lobby,

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we thought, my goodness, crime is going to spike. Did it? Not at all, not at all. Same with the garage attendants. Crime has not spiked, yet CCPD, they’re doing a marvelous job. They just caught, how many, six of them? On camera, not inside the garage … so they’re doing a marvelous job and we shouldn’t denigrate them. And I think we should encourage them to keep up the good job that they are doing..

(Asked by Jeffrey King, Building 4B.)

I would need a little bit more about this simple repair. The idea that it is a simple repair is a relative statement. Many times when you open up, you think there’s a leak, you open up a wall, you see there’s more to it than meets the eye. There may be a plumbing problem or maybe an issue coming from a valve solve so that we don’t have to make unnecessary repairs or work in an apartment in different shifts. We are now at a point where you have to make an appointment to have an inspection and then you have to have an appointment to have them come and do the work, and then somebody to do plastering and painting. We are working on streamlining that process. I think that the Call Center is doing a much better job and I have had restoration done. I don’t see it the way that this person is seeing it; they have done remarkably well and they do follow up when the work is done to make sure it that it was done. Can we get better? Absolutely. When we get better, it is because everyone is collaborating and all the departments are communicating with each other and that is one of the areas that we will be focusing on with our new executive general manager on how to streamline and improve service delivery. I am not on the Board as of yet … I think we need to stop cutting corners and putting money towards everything else except for in the quality actually skilled in the profession and education. We say that trade schools are so necessary because these skills are dwindling and the ones who can do the work the way that it should done, we are not giving them an opportunity because we are cutting cost and cutting corners. I will reiterate that I am not a Board member, I am not in the Board Room so I don’t know those decisions being made, but I know you cannot cut corners when it comes to repairs and anyone will tell you that, any professional,

to give you the guarantee that you need. If you’re just getting any Joe Shmoe to come anyone for trying to make money as best they can, however, it is the responsibility of the Board members to make sure that the hiring process is what it should be. We

Who can disagree with that? Nobody, right? Absolutely and many months we have to wait for folks to get work in the bathroom to either plaster and tile? And you know why? There is a shortage of tile people. There’s a shortage of plasterers. And you know what? We went to the union and they had a school. They don’t have enough personnel to give us; we’re short. We had an agreement positions. This is not unique for Co-op City, this is throughout the country. We’re short of skilled laborers. We were willing to even set up classes here to train; we folks, maybe some of you folks can come out of retirement … I’m a retired electrician … so this is the thing, we are trying and we are short and we will try our best to get the skilled workers that we need and we desperately need them.

Andrea Leslie: Part of the issue is also that we don’t pay top dollars for our skilled workers so we have workers who are trained and skilled and Parkchester will pay them more and we have a budget constraint so we have to pay attention to that. One of my advocacies has always been that we use in-house staff and not outsource … because some of those outsource vendors just actually pick up anyone to do the work and that’s not what I want for Co-op City so we have to balance how much money we have and what tasks we have to get done and that’s how we make those decisions. We don’t just willy-nilly hire anybody because we want skilled tile people to do our tiles, we want skilled plasterers to do our plastering and they have a union scale wage that they want to be paid like everybody else so that’s part of our problem and we are facing all of that and dealing with that on a daily basis. I, like you, have repairs that may need to be done and we have to wait; I’ve noticed that sometimes we wait longer than we normally do but if we want to get the job done, then sometimes, that’s what we have to do. We’re shareholders and we understand all of that.

I don’t know what a simple job is due to the fact that valve that may take a couple of minutes and when you get there, you have to change the whole valve and you have to cut the water off in the whole building. Sometimes a job that is so small turns into a larger job within the building. When you go up, you don’t really know what’s happening so there is no knowing what type of job is in there. If there’s nothing in there … you auger out and then you’re out of there but if there’s something in there, sometimes you have to take off the whole toilet bowl, so you know, it turns into a major job that is there. These are things that we have

we can’t see it, maybe there’s a broken key inside the lock. For you to take out that key sometimes you have to take out the whole lock, so there are many different forms of looking at things and we look at it from one lens and sometimes it’s our lens

and not the person that is doing the complete job and yes, we have skilled laborers that are here and we want to even get more because a lot of our skilled laborers are retiring, they’re not here anymore so we want to be able to do better to make sure there truth to the truth that we want to be able to create?

So we do have a problem here, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. We have a problem getting quality laborers and help. We pay this, they run someplace else. Some of these jobs are paying $35-$50 an hour; we don’t pay that. We try to keep it minimized because we are considerate of the fact that that could potentially lead to additional increases that we don’t want. The hiring, just a couple of weeks ago, they thought they had eight people to be hired, or at least to be interviewed for plastering and painting work – one person showed up, so that’s a problem. I can’t say that people don’t want to work or maybe they found something someplace else. We do have training, we asked the unions to help us with that. We can’t force an employee to go to the union hall and take additional training. A lot of the times, they don’t go, they don’t have to, so we try to work the in-house with having a supervisor on duty. One of the things we did recently, we have a language barrier. We’re hiring people but they don’t speak English, but that’s ok because now we have someone to be there with them to be able to communicate with the shareholder.

(Asked by Ruth Sharma of Building 26C.)

I’m not looking to add additional burden to the entire community. If you’re a dog owner, you’re responsible for your pet. It’s as simple as that, but as a dog owner, we can’t refuse you an accommodation, a lot is emotional support or a disabled service animal. We require and we constantly write about it, you have to leash your dog. I sometimes see them running loose; dog waste all over the place – I’ve stepped in it. We have bags, we put the bags in and someone takes all the bags out. Sometimes, I feel there’s no consideration. I have a pet, it’s not a dog, but I have a pet so the way I feel is that dog owners need to be responsible for their dogs. We have 874 dogs here and countless others that are not even registered. So think if you hit them in the pocketbook, maybe they’ll stop.

Unfortunately, the dogs are here to stay. I can’t get my head around why somebody needs to have a dog that is too big maybe, but we can’t legislate that. There is a law that prevents us from doing that so I say to people, if you have a dog, not only should you leash the dog, but you should pick up after the dog. I was looking to build a dog run park, get the dogs in the park and then have the owners pay for cleaning up that park because everywhere I go in every community, I see dog parks and people take their dogs there. I don’t see

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– • Letters to the Editor • –

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, verify the authenticity of the authors. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times

Our Toddler Parks

mers of watching the little ones play in the sprinklers, slide down the sliding boards, swings and many other activities, but for the past few summers, I have watched our toddler parks empty, no children playing, no laughter or scream-

We live in a community of aging grandparents and great-grandparents, in a time where they should be bonding with their grand and great grandchildren, creating memories in our golden years without leaving the community. when the ground work will be completed and our toddler parks will be safe to return our children to so that they may

Pedestrian Neighborhood Essential Businesses

As someone who grew-up walking to go food shopping, pharmacy, dry cleaner, hairdresser, buy gifts, and transact much to see local businesses close in Co-op City.

Co-op City person, that it is a wonderful thing about living here, to be able to walk to the shoemaker, hairdresser, hardware store, etc. So, what is happening? Why are we losing these businesses? Is there an effort being made to replace them with the same type business but new managers? It is an insult to our population that no information has been given to our residents.

elsewhere to have our shirts dry cleaned, haircuts done, shoes repaired, etc. It also means we have to drive or take a bus, so it becomes a loss to our exercise routine and a new or added expense to accomplish daily activities.

yet the bridge providing independence for seniors gets harder and harder to cross when support of independence can we get the answers?

Why Bother to Vote

What if we didn’t vote? What if we lived in a country practicing dictatorship? What if we had no safeguards

Co-op City Times

Shocked, I asked if she had ever heard of Fannie Lou have suffered for the right to vote? She did not mention that it was because of a particular religious ideology, which I respect. It was based on a single incident that happened long ago. In my opinion, many cooperators who don’t vote have not considered what living in a highly unregulated cooperative where inequalities could pile up would look like. Therefore, it’s imperative that all building presidents, club and organization leaders do more to encourage cooperators to vote so that we don’t have to pay for extended time. A suggestion would be bulletin boards displaying attractive signage encouraging voting. Who one votes for is

Section 5 has a young artist whose poster was featured at Lehman College and in the Co-op City Times. Therefore, we have the talent to do things differently so that lot, put it in the free stamped envelope and mail it in. This is our beautiful home and we all can do our part by voting and encouraging others to do the same. We have

Co-op City Times

WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymoushotline by the following methods: , www.lighthouse-services.com/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at : reports@lighthouse-services.com; or

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LETTERS TO

We welcome letters to the editor, only from Co-op City shareholders, at Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Co-op City Times

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which ity and residency of the writer can be Thank you for your cooperation.

Public Safety Report

CCPD: Cooperators Reminded to Keep NOISE Levels Down to Maintain High Quality of Life

Living in close proximity to other people can be challenging, especially when it comes to noise. Noise pollution is a common problem in many residential areas, and it can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life. Whether it is loud music, barking dogs, or late-night parties, excessive noise can cause stress, sleep disturbances, and even health problems. That is why it is essential to be respectful of your neighbors when it comes to noise. Here are some reasons why:

1. It’s the right thing to do

many Respecting

Respecting your neighbors is simply the right thing to do. Just as you expect others to be considerate of your needs and space, you should also extend the same courtesy to those around you. Being respectful of others’ right to peace and quiet is not only good for your community but also for your own sense of morality.

2. It builds good relationships

Being respectful of your neighbors can help build good relationships with them. When you show consideration for their needs and preferences, they are more likely to reciprocate.

Co-op City is the world’s largest housing cooperative which strives to provide a high quality of life for all residents. In order to effectively do so, we need all cooperators to respect their neighbors. Maintaining a reasonable noise level within each apartment, especially between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00

Public Safety Blotter

April 23 – April 29, 2023

4/24/23

100 Elgar Place

Victim reports that his vehicle was parked on the street in front of his building. When he returned to his car, he discovered that two tires had been slashed.

140 Donzietti Place

Public Safety Officers encountered a Riverbay employee experiencing a seizure in front of the building. The aided regained consciousness and refused medical aid.

4/25/23

140 Alcott Place

A cooperator reported that she received confirmation of a package delivery to her front door. Person(s) unknown removed the package.

120 Darrow Place

Officers responded to calls for help and while searching the building, discovered a male and female loitering in the stairwell on the 16th floor. The male was arrested for disorderly conduct and both the male and female were issued Community Complaints.

4/26/23

100 DeKruif Place

During a routine building inspection, officers discovered a female shareholder loitering and smoking in the stairwell. Multiple Community Complaints were issued.

140 Casals Place

An officer responded to a complaint of excessive dog barking. Investigation confirmed that the dog was barking excessively and unauthorized. Two Community Complaints were issued.

4/27/23

140 Casals Place

Officers responded to a complaint of excessive dog barking. Investigation confirmed that the dog was barking excessively and unauthorized. Two Community Complaints were issued. The case will be referred to Riverbay Legal Department for pos-

sible holdover action.

140 Elgar Place

Officers responded with the Fire Department to a report of odor of gas. FDNY conducted a forced entry and discovered a defective gas stove. The stove was made safe by the FDNY.

99 Earhart Lane (Garage 8)

Officers responded to a report of a dispute within the garage. Upon arrival, one of the disputants was in his vehicle. He exhibited signs of intoxication. Public Safety Officers removed the keys from the vehicle the intoxicated suspect was operating. Co-op City Public Safety Officers arrested the suspect for Driving While Intoxicated.

4/28/23

675 Co-op City Blvd.

A cooperator reported her vehicle was parked in front of the Little League field. When she returned to the vehicle, her car window was broken.

120 Carver Loop

Public Safety Officers responded to a reported fire in the laundry room. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a fire had originated in a dryer. The damage was confined to the dryer. The Fire Department responded and secured the location.

4/29/23

920 Co-op City Blvd.

A cooperator discovered that while parked on the street, his rear vehicle window was broken.

100 Elgar Place

A cooperator reported receiving confirmation that a package was left in the lobby by her mailbox. The package was taken by person(s) unknown. The investigation is ongoing.

99 Bellamy Loop (Garage 6)

A cooperator reported that her vehicle was parked on the third floor of Garage 6. When she returned to the vehicle, she discovered her window had been broken and a phone charger had been removed.

a.m., creates a comfortable environment for all residents. When cooperators and their guests do not abide by regulations, penalties may result. Respect and understanding go a long way in being a good neighbor and a good cooperator.

Noise levels can vary from apartment to apartment due to varying configurations of apartments and the types of noise. It is often difficult to determine the exact source of noise due to the way sound travels through different materials. Pinpointing the exact source of a noise in a multi-family dwelling might take several steps. Different people also have different tolerance levels for noise. When playing music or watching television, pay attention to the volume level to be sure you are not disturbing a neighbor. Certain sounds or vibrations are created by machinery necessary to the operation of the building, such as elevators, compactors or water pipes.

“IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” is a series of public service announcements implemented by the New York City Police Department. Here in Co-op City, calls from cooperators have been instrumental in our success in fighting crime and maintaining a high quality of life. Noise complaints are no exception. If you hear noise which you feel is unreasonable, Public Safety can be called, (718) 671-3050. In extreme cases, 911 can also be called. As cooperators, your observations are instrumental in helping Public Safety fight crime as well as quality of life violations in the community.

When calling Public Safety for a noise complaint, the dispatcher will ask you for your location and whether you would like to be seen by the officer. They are required to ask but you, the cooperator, are not required to give that information. You may remain anonymous and refuse to have the officer respond to your apartment if this is your request. Please have patience with the dispatcher as the questions they ask may not seem relevant but can be essential to the issue at hand.

In Co-op City, noise travels in unpredictable manners. Noise may seem loud from within the rear rooms of the apartment but cannot be heard at the front door. The noise can also be originating from an adjacent apartment or an apartment more than one floor away. In some cases, noise in a Chevron or Triple Core building may be originating in the adjacent section of the building. By giving the dispatcher your apartment and allowing the officers into your home, you enable the officers the opportunity to locate the exact source of the noise and take action as quickly as possible.

Noise is a complaint that is taken very seriously by the Public Safety Department as well as the Cooperator Services Offices. Both departments work together to identify and correct chronic noise complaints. In some cases, Community Complaints are issued and a follow up is conducted. Mediation may take place, which allows the two parties to discuss the problem at hand, whether it be noise or a combination issues. Sometimes a letter can be sent out by the area manager and a noise problem can be corrected without any further intervention. In extreme cases after numerous Community Complaints,

(Continued on page 43)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES,

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com

Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site

Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

The Crème-de-la-Crème Showed Up

Greetings, shareholders, residents and fiends. Special shout out and big love to those who came out to the Candidates’ Forum in the Einstein Center on Saturday. I speak for all of the candidates when I say, thanks to those who had a kind word to share and a nudge of support. You know who you are. You told them to hang in here. You encouraged them. You believe in them, and they believe in you, just like when I ran; I know that for them, the gratitude they feel is immeasurable. This is what I know for sure.

Know Who You Are… (A Short Lesson)

If you don’t know who you are, if you don’t understand your history, then you have no idea of the possibility of what your future could be. We are 53 years of sustainable affordable housing. The sustainability can be defined as meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainable housing has the potential to produce good quality housing at a price that is affordable both in the short and long term.

I understand that wherever there is a hierarchy, wherever there is someone who is the superior, there is this feeling that, “Oh, I’ve got to make myself dominant or I’ve got to kick somebody around.” A part of my role as Director is to mitigate that, to open people’s hearts, so that we can see that we are all more alike than we are unalike (to quote, Dr. Maya Angelou). This too, is what I know for sure.

Looking Ahead

The plight before us as Directors is multifaceted. But the most important of all the work we do is to raise the consciousness of the shareholders to understand that “they are not tenants.” To know how very important it is to participate in our own election. We bent the rules in an unprecedented three (3) extensions to complete the 2022 Riverbay Board Election.

We must understand that if we don’t have this structure and we don’t have a Board, then we lose our corporation, we lose our Mitchell-Lama status. If we lose that, then affordable housing goes down

What I Know for Sure

the drain. We could be taken over and these apartments which we call home could be privatized and be put up for market value. Many people here would be put out. This too, is what I know for sure.

We Are Family

I was employed for 20 years with the author of the hit song, “We Are Family.” Oftentimes when I hear that song, I think of us, our community. Why? Because we “are” one huge family Our family is made up of passionate, smart, accredited shareholders and residents who want to and should serve this multicultural community. I’ve learned that it does take a village, not only to raise a child, that village (in this case, our committees, our organizations, clubs and especially our Building Associations) are the structure that our corporation is built on. Tear that down or do nothing to support that structure and you have what amounts to NOTHING. But! When we unite, when we get involved and lend our talents, offer our resources, then and only then will we begin to reap the benefits of our worth. When we come together before and after Open Board meetings, in our Building Associations, and if your building doesn’t have one or if your building does, but it’s not functioning properly, make sure it gets fixed. Get help from the village (i.e., the other associations or the committees) and make it work. It’s not hard, shareholders. You just have to care enough about what belongs to “you.” The governing of this property, this corporation, belongs to you. Don’t just let it go. Don’t leave it up to us. Make sure you are actively involved. Make sure that when we go into the Board Room, your voice, your opinions, are a part of our collective solutions. Don’t just complain, be a part of the “fixing.”

We’ve Got Some Difficult Days Ahead, But … I believe we here at Co-op City are a microcosm of the world. I believe, we are “the possibility.” We can be that shining example of what the world should look like. As Directors, we’ll do what is necessary in the boardroom. We’ll represent you, present resolutions, see that Management carries out the policies put forth by the Board, as the voice of

“you,” the shareholders, that make up the Riverbay Corporation. But it’s more than that, shareholders. As humans, we are bound up in each other’s humanity. It is each one of us, multiplied by ALL of US, becoming a force for the good of all of us. This too, I truly know for sure.

Time to Get Out the Vote

Thank you in advance for your priceless time and your all-important vote for this year’s candidates. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

DON’T

Return to collection sites. or Mail back using a pre-addressed envelope from your pharmacist. or Toss in the garbage after mixing with something undesirable such as co ee grounds or dirt.

For full instructions or a map of collection sites, visit: www.dontflushyourdrugs.net

Forum –––––– (Continued from page 5)

the dog poop in the streets; I see it here because they use our greenway, they use our grass, they use anything, and a dog is going to do what a dog does but the person with that leash should be picking up after their dogs and that seems to be a problem. them because there are 874 dogs and that’s a lot, and our community was never this overrun but because of that, we have to deal with the issue and we have to be sensitive to people who have disabilities and need for an emotional animal.

Bernard Cylich: We have to take a different kind of tact. Those folks who have dogs evidently they need those dogs. That’s how it’s being appeared and that’s how HUD held up our loan because they thought we were discriminating against dog owners. And we were being sued, a quarter of a million dollars, by a dog owner who claimed that he was being discriminated against. Yes, folks do need those dogs evidently … however, we have to enlist them to understand that they have a role to play here and they have to be responsible. I think we advocate not aggressive, antagonistic approach to them, and that’s how we have to change the character of our own response to them because if we take an antagonistic approach, it’s only going to hurt all of us. So yes, they have responsibility, they have to understand that, we don’t have to go terrorize them, that’s illegal. We can’t even stop them asking for a permit, that’s illegal. So let’s see what we can do together with them and try to encourage them. Yes, don’t forget to pick up the poop, and I believe that’s the way we have to approach them.

Andrea Leslie: Any action that we take, we have to bear in mind it’s the law that persons who have a disability or request accommodation has to be accommodated so while we do that, as Bernie says, working with the owner of a pet that they are part of the community and included in their actions, it affects other shareholders when they have dogs, when they leave stuff behind, so if we have a more community-inclusive attitude towards the dog owners, maybe we will then get them to cooperate more, understanding that their actions or inactions affect fellow shareholders. That is an approach that I think that we should be trying.

Shana Montgomery: I agree with what everyone said. I think mostly it’s coming between someone and their dog. We went through so much with Covid, so that emotional support is really strong and sometimes that’s what people have to hold on to. A lot of people have lost people and animals provide a sense of security and safety for people that’s really on the edge but we also have to take into consideration senior citizens and people that are just walking and sometimes dog poop can be slippery and it can be a hazard to other people that’s walking and what I see mostly is young kids that are walking the dogs. I think shareholders, the adults, are more responsible. I see them with the bags and I see them walking and I do see them picking up the poop but what I mostly see is young people walking the dogs and they just let it go and that’s just the youth of today; everything is about them so they really don’t have any consideration for others, as I see it. And I guess something that can be proposed is, what I see is, when I walk out my building, I see poop right there as you’re walking out on the pathway. And I know we have bag stations throughout in the middle of the pathway in the middle of the buildings. Maybe put stations outside of buildings with plastic bags and put up signs to curb your dog and how important it is to curb your dog and that we supply bags for you. Maybe sometimes they wait so long for an animal to go to the bathroom, it’s too late, they can’t make it to get to the bags.

Bishop Angelo Rosario: Eight hundred and seventy-four dogs is too much and growing. It’s going to continue to grow because of the law. We went to court tryI love animals but I don’t like them in my house. I’m the only animal in my house and my wife curbs me anytime she wants. The idea is how do we do the work to be able to help those that need those animals in their home. Now there’s some consideration that should be there because there are people that are allergic to dogs in the elevators and I believe also that those people deserve some type of recognition and respect all the way around. There are children that fear to go into the elevator … the child may be afraid of the dog. That could damage that child at the same time. But do I know that there is a need for those dogs and people that really need them? Yes, so there’s a type of respect that goes for that, but we have to be able to segregate those that are real and those that are not and those are the ones that we have to try to isolate, and go to the law and ask them to help us to make these better decisions so we could help our people that do need them. And then those that don’t need them, then they should get rid of them because Co-op City was made not for dogs. It was made for people like you and me, and I stopped barking a long time.

(Asked by Michael Miller of Building 22B.)

Bernard Cylich: Interesting enough, Amazon, they are experimenting, they are putting containers outside in the vestibule, in the triple core in the back, they are going to put these boxes or containers where they can store and you can retrieve your packages; that could be the answer. I mean there are different companies going around doing this … so there’s an experiment trying to solve that problem and perhaps that could do it but, of course, the box is now outside, we may resent that too, so let’s see what happens with this experiment. I know we have the boxes at works with Amazon, we’ll see.

Andrea Leslie: The Amazon issue is, to me, very overwhelming because there isn’t a day that you come in that there aren’t packages in front of somebody’s door or in front of everybody’s door so I guess one of the things that we probably can be doing and it might be our task to have more sweeps through the buildings during the day in terms of Public Safety, but then that, of course, is going to be at a cost because that is manpower that we would have to use to do. We have so much space because Amazon is the major one but once we start to put storage boxes outside the buildings we have limited amount of space in order to do that and at the rate that people

building to do that. That’s an ongoing thing that I guess we can get somebody else from the community in order for us to resolve that problem. It’s a collective issue so for a long time. The Bingo Hall as it were, we’ve had plans for it before and we were corresponding and we’re still trying to do that.

Shana Montgomery: The Amazon package issue is a tough one. I remember we used to have the Amazon boxes outside underneath, over here, I believe, where you picked your package up from. I’m not sure…it was UPS? Maybe Amazon could do something like that, provide the boxes right outside where what UPS did, that would be a good idea for them to stop the theft of people’s packages. The youth center, that’s a big one because in education, we know that the worst time for youth is between the hours of 3:30 and 6:30 when they have nowhere to go. Possibly we can use spaces here to provide places for them to go and afterschool programs. I know I put together an afterschool program in my school called My Sisters Keep HER. It’s a take on My Brother’s Keeper. And My Sisters Keep HER is Healthy, Enrich and Responsible, … I used to have a business in White Plains in Westchester called The Educational Clubhouse for Girls. It was an afterschool program where you dropped your daughters off and they got enrichment programs, homework help and computer programming and they did a lot of different things. And I think we could partner up so successful. He’s been here for over 20 something years since I’ve been here. And maybe we could utilize the space here to do some afterschool programs.

Bishop Angelo Rosario: I think that this is a problem all over the city, private houses, they leave their packages there and they are stolen, they are taken. As Bernie said, we do have the boxes that we are trying a new program behind all the triple cores for that to try to help people. I live in a townhouse and I have problems making sure that my packages that are left outside in everybody’s view are safe. Thank God, I also have good neighbors and when they see my packages, they pick them up and put them in their house, and when I see theirs, I put them in my house because that’s what good neighbors are all about, working together … But it’s not a gets more deliveries than I don’t know who, but I have to be careful, I’m gonna put her stuff out there. But we have to do something, we still have to do something because we want to make sure that our community is safe, that whatever they order is safe also, so we have to think probably out of the box to see, and I think one of our directors is trying to think about that, to try and create these boxes that are going to be able to help our community and we’ll just continue to try to do better for all of our children cause that’s what it’s all about. But working together with your ideas, we could make quite a difference.

Sonia Feliciano: The community was concerned about the theft of packages and one of our directors spoke to Amazon. They were willing to try this program in the triple cores. We have two more buildings yet to have them installed and we hope that we can widen the program for the towers and chevrons and that would be helpful. Now, if those lockers are full, it is the obligation of Amazon to bring those packages up to your door, that’s what we agreed on and that’s what they’ve committed to do so we’re going to be watching that. As far as the youth center or youth programs, we have a Girls Scouts program here. We also have Coding and we can bring programs here. We have the Riverbay Fund that we get DYCD grants from that community organizations can tap, asking for funding to be able to have programs. As Shana was saying that our youth, the critical period is between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., because I think that it would bring a lot to our community for our young.

Claudia Sampson: Sonia, I’d like to piggyback off to what you just said about the Northeast Bronx Youth Center. I recently submitted an application for funding from our congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I asked for $1.5M, I was trying to be modest, I should have asked for more. We got selected to be one of 15 in her little bucket. Of course, she is one of 500 congresspeople. She is waiting, we are waiting. They said hold on. Hopefully, we’ll get that $1.5M. It’s a grant from Kevin Riley through his discretionary fund for help. We put in a request with our Assemblyman Benedetto, he’s made a commitment for $250,000; we’ll take every bit we can get. We’re still waiting to hear from Vanessa Gibson. That’s the Northeast Bronx Youth Center so hopefully we’ll have that. It’s going to cost $17.5M based on the architectural rendition and oh my gosh, we’re going to have everything, four because I think we’re close to getting some help. Secondly, about the catalytic converters, I think there’s an event coming up where you can have your catalytic converter marked.

(Asked by Barbara Rose, Building 3B.)

Bishop Angelo Rosario: We could reduce any budget and also take off some quality of life because in order for us to reduce the budget, we have to remove some other things that are there and those are things that we need to be able to balance them out completely and make sure that when we are reducing the budget, we’re not taking away quality of life that belongs to our community, and that’s more important than anything else. Yes, we don’t want to have more raises, but I think that every Board that has ever been here has gone through the same problems. And we have always had the same questions and we always see that every Board that has been here, they have to raise certain things or cut certain things or cut certain services off. We’re going to try to balance it out to the best of our ability so that we don’t cut major services that are needed here in Co-op City… I’m not a professional on budget but I know that I don’t have any problems in my home right now and that I work with the budget. So we’re going to try to do the best we could with the Board and everyone else to be able to make sure that we budget to the best of our ability to make sure that everything comes out to the best for each and every one of us that live here.

(Continued on page 11)

Bernard Cylich: I believe that Barbara Rose was referring to some kind of air conditioning system. I just want you to know that right

We had a closed-door board meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. So, let’s go over some issues that we discussed.

One Terrible Resolution

Board directors will be confronted with a lot of challenges. However, the key is to recognize what’s good and what’s not good for your community. Therefore, I personally believe that individual board directors should be able to stand up, by themselves, and say to everyone: “This is right, and this is wrong.” Follow the crowd? No! You do not follow anyone. You do not vote with anyone. You do not let anyone convince you to vote yes when you know that their point of view is not right. Other people might not like you or the way that you present your point of view. Tough! Why should you worry about their thoughts about you? No!!! You represent your community in a proper way.

Now, let’s review a very bad resolution that is impointed out that Riverbay is charging our former shareholders for any damage that they caused in their former apartment. Thereafter, Riverbay is paying $18,000 to contractors to restore a one-bedroom apartment.

During our meeting, emergency resolution #2324 was presented to our board. This resolution stated that $5,760,000 was previously allocated into a “Turnkey” budget for the restoration of our vacant apartments. Then, contractors would receive their payments through this turnkey budget. So, over a period of time, some contractors will be paid $5,760,000 to restore our vacant apartments.

Well, can you believe that the purpose of this resolution was to issue $2,400,000 out of this $5,760,000 budget to just two contractors? Therefore, each contractor will receive $1,200,000 to continue restoring can receive $18,000 just to restore a one-bedroom apartment.

Now, think, we received a 7.5 percent increase on

Board Meeting Review, 4/25/2023

January 1, 2023. And, we’re going to receive a 2.1 percent increase on April 1, 2024. So, yes or no, how would you have voted on this resolution? Well, in my case, I voted no because this resolution is just hurting our community. But, before we voted, I reminded everyone that we have to try to get minorities and women-owned businesses to work with us.

From my perspective, we should not be paying anyone $18,000 to restore an apartment that does not have any damages. Therefore, we need to drastically reduce this outrageous restoration price. Then, we should bring in a variety of small business restoration contractors. To eliminate allegations, they should buy their own quality materials. Then, they will receive a reasonable fee for their services. And, no, they wouldn’t receive anything near $18,000 or even half of that ridiculous price. Now, some contractors and some other people might not like this concept. But, in my opinion, they should not be conducting business with Riverbay.

Bottom Line: As a diverse community of cooperators, we should welcome the idea of having Minority and Women Owned Businesses (MWOB) performing work for us. Again, that contract was for $5,760,000.

Co-op City is the largest housing cooperative in the world. Therefore, we need to have strong leaders here that are committed to conducting business in a proper way. No nonsense! I love my community. Therefore, I am going to do everything I can to make sure that we have a diverse work force at all levels. Thereafter, our community and everyone else can simply glance at us and know exactly what’s going on with us.

Let’s Support Our Businesses

There was a discussion about the rental prices for our stores. So, I said that the rent for our stores is very reasonable. For instance, the rents that we charge in Bartow is a fraction of the prices that they charge down areas? Lots of areas throughout the Bronx have undergone tremendous development. So, their rental prices are far more expensive than our prices.

Regardless, as an act of kindness, we should reach

out and support our local businesses. Therefore, I want to encourage everyone to please give our local businesses a chance and start purchasing some items from them. They will be glad to see you. And, you might like their services. So, please, let’s help them.

Now, unfortunately, some of our educational facilities and some of our stores owe Riverbay thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Frequent court visits? Yes! Several payment plans? Yes! How is it possible that an educational facility or a store can refuse to pay anything towards a court-approved payment plan? Nothing!!! Over the years, how many payment plans were issued to them? Again, how long has this nonsense been going on?

Bottom line: There are free business services that can help some of our businesses. So, I want to encourage some of our businesses to consider getting some free professional advice from them.

Amazon Lockers

Back in 1994, a man named Jeff Bezos quit his job to Seattle, Washington with a plan to create the largest book company in the world, Amazon. Then, he started selling books from his garage. Next, his company became so successful that we’re going to have Amazon lockers near all of our buildings.

Close

The former ways that business was conducted here must stop. Also, the terrible resolutions that were brought before our board must stop. Going forward, I want us to conduct business in a proper way. Thank you.

Contact Information

Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Or, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Forum –––––– (Continued from page 9)

now, Management is experimenting with a new technology in trying to resolve the apartments and going down to the elevators and costing us hundreds of thousands in some buildings and once we can get some reading on it, it could be the answer toperimenting with this and some success.

Andrea Leslie: I believe what Ms. Rose is asking about is how we switch over warm winters, cold summers and our Power Plant system is not set up for a switch to a private co-op in Philadelphia, and they decided to do something similar to that

Shana Montgomery: have to have more information. I guess what Bernie is talking about, it would have to possibly be discussed maybe with shareholders to just get their opinions. I know

talking about a new technology for possibly the newer buildings, the new high rise

tical that something like that would work for what we have here especially since, I guess, it was talked about before on how this whole community was erected in the of materials and putting things together. My question would be what would this cost

would be my only concern of what it would cost us in the long run.

Claudia Sampson: Bernie and I have different approaches here but I congratulate you on your experiment. It sounds like it went well. I invested $50, I bought some sensors and I hooked it up under my convector and I have it hooked up to my phone and when there is condensation and a drop of water hits the tray, I get a is condensation and then I call Maintenance so they come and they blow it out if it that I invested $50 in and I put one of them under each convector in every room, it

Sonia Feliciano: So both Bernie and Claudia are correct. I lost my living room -

you know that you have some water in there or some condensation and you call Riverbay right away. My girlfriend was in Hawaii and she had the issue. She was able to get someone to come to her apartment to be able to address the issue of the water so those are little things that we can do for ourselves at a nominal cost. Bernie, I did attend his trial and basically what Riverbay is doing is trialing the issue with the piping in a lot of these apartments is still good, the coils are good so we gotta try

Q: What is your opinion about building a third garage in Section 5 on the huge piece of land, I think it’s behind Building 34, to accommodate Section 5 wait listed shareholders and Metro-North commuters? (Asked by Francine Jones, Building 20A.)

Andrea Leslie:

is a tennis court back there and we had conversation before about using that space of land that you are talking about is what they made into the Section 5 park so thatwas to build on top of the garage and that was, I think, like $2M or more and conenthusiastic about building up on a garage right now so we still have that problem

Bishop Angelo Rosario: I think that is a good thought that needs to be looked at. They say we need X amount of square footage to be able to put up a garage the same size as we have one over there, and it will probably help our revenue with parking from Metro-North that is coming in plus the need that we do have for our cooperators that live in that particular section. So I think it is something that we will look at

because I think that it expands over another 200 feet from where it is now. I guess the main problem would be how much would it cost and do we have the capital to be able to put up another garage there, but if you put up another garage and we charge, then that creates another source of income that we need to be able to help us with

Sonia Feliciano: I would not be inclined to put a garage in Section Five unlesschised enough with the parking situation especially the taking of parking spaces in the street. I think they need to have a buy-in but in having even a garage, who is that, is the Metro-North serving us or is it servicing other people coming from other some form of relief in terms of parking. Garage 8 right now only has 12 on the list so the parking spaces have gone down and we are steadily working with Garage Section Five to be able to have a say in a lot of the things that could potentially hap-ing from other sources.

Bernard Cylich: -

and Management has been proposing, for example, where precisely what Andrea is talking about. There is a handball court and a basketball court and that could be

Shana Montgomery:

I think we need as shareholders. We need to listen to all ideas, all different types of solutions and I think when we listen to each other, when we put our head together, we can come up with something viable that will work for Section Five so I really thank you for making that suggestion. Also, maybe look at the mall area, how that

North to that spot where they can just walk to the Metro-North from there somehow. So maybe the Board can have a discussion with whoever operates the mall parking the incoming people who do not live in the community and they could possibly park taken is a spot taken from Section Five. So thank you so much for trying to come up with innovative ideas no matter how far-fetched it may seem.

Claudia Sampson: Well I know that people in Section Five were frustrated. They have lobbied the way the buses were coming in, the parking spaces that were lost because of the express bus which was resolved. I see that the buses come in a different way than they used to cause I ride the express bus now. But what I look at when I of people looking for parking spaces. So I agree we should look at the mall, I agree because they have no need for a car, but those of us who need a car, need a space. I the burden on our shareholders, I think we might want to explore it a little further down. The reason I mention that the way that the bus goes in and out, it seems that it was for safety purposes that they switched up the exit and entering Section 5 in the loop, in Einstein Loop. But it still looks very congested when people come inaged to get in and out but they do a pretty good job.

Q: What would your strategic approach be to creating and maintaining a balanced budget without any additional carrying charge increases beyond what probably unwarranted in some cases, due to Covid. Nevertheless, our expenses are huge. How would you leverage those expenditures to get competitive accommodations from our vendors and contractors, and how does the budget accommodate our aging infrastructure and unforeseen and unplanned capital expenditures? (Asked by Ron Campbell, Building 10A.)

Andrea Leslie: Our budget really does not have monies put aside for emergen-posed to be 80% carrying charges and 20% other, which can be income from venwe are gaining in having a bigger source of income other than shareholder carry-ing at multiple ways in order for us to have increase in our income without increasing the carrying charge in order for us to continue to function. We are aware that we are over 50 years old, and almost on a daily basis, Management would tell you

Claudia Sampson: I came with the plan to have EV charging stations in every garage, two in each garage. I think with more people buying

(Continued on page 16)

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Riverbay Executive General Manager to Co-op City. I had the opportunity to participate in the interviewing process and was very impressed. This is a large, aging complex to remain solvent so it will be important for us to work together and get the best bang for our buck.

I was annoyed at an article printed in the Co-op City Times about a device they are currently testing. It is not effectively being tested and at this time shows no signs of anything so what was the purpose of the article? Has it really been tested if many of the statements in the article refer to what we usually face in the summertime with the condensation? My concern is that we don’t spend our money foolishly or give people a false sense of a pending restails are available regarding effectiveness or the total cost of installation.” To this, I say, “TOO SOON.”

This is yet again another reason why we are in need of eyes on the budget. When we had a committhey asked questions. What happened? The following year and thereafter, the committee of shareholders was disbanded and, in its place, there was only a committee of the entire Board. Hmmm. On another note, I have often stated to the community and Board

A Board director, Leah Graham, who is currently a candidate, pushed and advocated for the training to be held on the premises and it was in our Board room on a weekend, no disturbances. To also have Shana,

Eyes on Our Budget

who so brilliantly stated vote for her as a neighbor and shareholder concerned about the community and not being re-elected or pushing a personal agenda. A school educator and corporate legal records management as well as a great communicator and potential problem solver is what we could use.

I am a member of the Stronger Together Team and I will vote to have, at a minimum, two new members on the Board who will truly change the impact and momentum of the Board. Join me and others in voting for Leah Graham and Shana “Shanauzelda” Montgomery, A vote for Fairness, Action, Transparency and Experience. The FATE of this community is in your hands! We are Stronger Together.

SAVE THIS DATE: JUNE 24, 2023 – Section 2 is gearing up for the Annual Summer Fun Day. Section 2 townhouses and buildings are meeting and united as a community is the goal. It will be a pop-up picnic with loads of surprises. Summer FunDay will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. (Rain date: June 25, 2023). More information to follow.

‘Invest In Our Planet.’

On Earth Day, we need to remember how closely we are connected to the earth, as well as our responsibility to protect it. We come together to show our support for the planet and make pledges to do our part in protecting it. All of us can contribute to the environment by planting trees, cleaning up waste, and reducing our dependence on non-renewable resources like fossil fuels.

What is the Biggest Contributor to Climate Change?

Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.

Our planet needs our investment now. As we look forward to 2023, it is necessary that we come together once again in partnership for our Mother Earth. In order for a green, prosperous, and equitable future to become a reality, businesses, governments, and civil society must take action against the climate crisis.

How to Get Involved in Earth Day 2023?

There are many ways you can celebrate Earth Day 2023. The most effective way to start is to become more aware of the environmental issues we face, and what you can do to help.

• As a society, we should make efforts to reduce our energy consumption at home as well as at work.

• The next time you do some shopping, consider purchasing Eco-friendly products.

• It is a great idea to recycle and compost as much as possible.

• The more you know about environmental issues, the more you can educate others about them.

• You can create a garden or plant trees.

When you have decided what you believe, what you feel must be done, have the courage to standalone and be counted.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

I am pleased to be of service to the community. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

Building 25 Association

Wishing all neighbors born in May a happy birthday, and for those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon and for our neighbors who continue to lose loved ones, our heartfelt prayers go out to you. out for detailed information posted near elevators as we get closer to the meeting

anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

“The sudden appearance of mushrooms after a summer rain is one of the more impressive spectacles of the plant world.”

––Wanda Bailey

–John Tyler Bonner

Building 8 Association

life in our building.ing stairwell smoking marijuana, littering and using the staircase as a bathroom.

We would also like to thank our building staff for doing a great job.

––Azalea McDavid

Happy Nurse’s Week, May 6-May 12. Celebrate and appreciate the nurses in your life!

Building 23 Association

Hello, shareholders and friends.

Welcome, new shareholders. Please plan to attend our next Association meeting in May. Check our Association’s bulletin board in our lobby near the elevators.

This past weekend brought heavy rains and winds doors closed. We reported the issue and will continue to follow up to ensure the necessary repairs are done. We really needed the rain to prepare our plants and trees for spring and the hot summer days ahead.

Election time:

You should have received your ballots by now

Please stay informed and come out to vote and vote

Bldg. 23 Update: Shareholders’ Concerns

Addressed:

occurred in our building, which of apartments. The CSO Manager has performed and submitted inspection reports and repairs are being performed. Please contact Cooperator Services apartment.

Upcoming Event/s: in May. Check our bulletin board for the new date. Things to Know:

Our membership dues are $5. We welcome new members and our renewed members as well. We use our dues to sponsor back to school supplies for children, holiday activities and basic expenses that re-

Thanks to those who have volunteered to be-duction with you shortly to review the duties of a of life within our building. Sign up anytime or conthe responsibilities include a periodic check of youring, painting, proper lighting, missing or broken hall tiles, missing bricks, unleveled sidewalks, or laundry-room and compactor room concerns. Please conconcerns within your respective apartments. When we see something, say something. Happy

––Betty Smith

My Endorsements for the Riverbay Board of Directors

This year, as I have for the past two Riverbay Board elections, I fully support the Stronger Together candidates, former Board Director Leah Graham, and Leah’s extremely dedicated-to-change partner candidate, Shana Montgomery Leah Graham served on the Riverbay Board for 6 years, and decided not to seek re-election for a third term.

Shana Montgomery is knowledgeable and outspoken about many of the problems facing our community right now!

Both candidates are super serious about not having to have shareholders incur another substantial increase, especially one that can be avoided when recognized early on.

I do so out of respect for their positions to be more transparent about Board Business, and managing the corporate budget, but because we’ve all been down this road of expecting a new way forward by continuing to return those who have a proven track record of doing the exact opposite.

make those decisions based upon what our current lived in Parkchester, or any other Mitchell-Lama coing charges go up here, it forces us to make decisions that are in line with increases that are made here, not in consideration that we still have more than if we resided in some other Mitchell-Lama development.

During the April 26th Candidates’ Forum, there was a statement made alluding to the total percentage increases to our carrying charges since 2016. While I’m not certain of what number was exactly quoted, it sounded like 11-point-something percent. The quote was designed to make our recent carrying charge increases palatable.

The Real Numbers

My service on the Board began in 2015, and I have voted on carrying charge increases of 1.9% in 2017 (plus a 5% garage fee increase), 1.9% in 2018, 2.0% in 2021 (plus a 10% increase in garages and 40% increase to closet rentals), and 7.5% in 2022. That totals 13.3% to everyone, more if you own vehicles parked in our garages and rent closet space, and if you do not compound the back-to-back 1.9% increases in 2017 and 2018. What was also missing in the statement is the 4.5% increase given to shareholders in 2015 to pay for a lawsuit that cooperators had no part in, but were now ultimately responsible for. What I have just listed adds up to 17.8%, again for everyone, more if you park a vehicle in the garage, or have a storage closet. Note: I want to make this clear because there may be some confusion about how the voting went for the 7.5% carrying charge increase. The vote for Resolution 22-51 was: 10 Yes – 5 No.

The Leadership of the Board Did Not Address the FY 2022 to 2023 Net Surplus

When the FY2021 to 2023 Budget was adopted on April 6, 2021, it forecasted that by the end of the tion’s net surplus from operations would be $67,795 Where was the sense of urgency by the Riverbay Board leadership directly after the 2022 Riverbay Board elections? To lead a quarter of a billion-dollar Corporation without addressing a projected surplus of less than $70,000 is not in the shareholders’ or Corporation’s best interest, but it occurred, so among a series of issues, here we are.

The Convector Water Sensing Device

This device was presented to the Board as a Committee Report, along with a Resolution 23-09. The Resolution was tabled. The Committee Report was to be further discussed. Having said that, we are where we are.

What has the actual installation of the water sensing device shown? First – it took hours to install, however, I was told by management personnel that installers

should be able to complete two (2) convectors a day.

I’m not prepared to offer you any mathematical details here, however, you might want to consider the logistics of how many men Management will have to hire or contract to install two water sensing devices a day, in some 65,000 convectors, while making appointments to get into 15,372 apartments? Second –Do we pay them minimum wage, or the going rate for that particular skillset? The actual price of the water sensing device may be as low as $22.00 times 15,372.

Last point, the water sensing device DOES NOT 90% of the time in our apartments!

A Fresh Set of Eyes

Many times during investigations that have dragged on for a long period of time, you’ll hear the term – “we need a fresh set of eyes on this.” That’s exactly what the Riverbay Board of Directors needs right now.

We need to have directors on the Riverbay Board with the expertise of reviewing contracts for content when we vote, and for compliance when the job is those talents.

It would be great if next year, the Board restores the Education Committee to the Riverbay Board Committee list. It was moved to the former Riverbay Fund, Inc., where it was removed altogether.

We need to address future employee contract issues in advance of an Emergency Resolution as has been the practice in the past. We can do better.

This is that moment in time when all things are aligned. We have a rare opportunity to take advantage of there being new executive leadership at the top of the Corporation. Voting for Leah Graham and Shana Montgomery in this year’s Riverbay Board of Directors election, would usher in new leadership at both the Board and Management levels. Together, we can do this!

Thank you for reading my viewpoint, and remember to VOTEfor – Leah Graham and Shana Montgomery.

I can be reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Greetings, neighbors! Election season is underway once again and I’m excited because I think we have a promising trifecta this year: 1. the appearour community, 2. the arrival of our new Executive General Manager, Marvin Walton, plus the wealth of knowledge he brings, and 3. the Riverbay Board election cycle, and the potential for our community to receive a new/updated Board!

during any given Board election cycle, and this year is no different. However, it’s been said that the addition of even one new person to a team creates a brand new team, since that person brings their own knowledge and experiences and the group dynamic evolves to incorporate them. As a community, we have elected four new Board directors since 2021, myself included, and we have capitalized greatly on the new talent. New Board directors bring new energy and new ideas to help resolve old problems! I am choosing to say ‘no to the status quo’ because I don’t believe that leaving things the way they are is the best way to move forward.

As is my custom, I’d like to speak to the can-

Saying NO to the Status Quo

broadly.

Candidates – Good luck to you all. Serving on the Riverbay Board continues to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in recent memory. Thank you for stepping up to the proverbial plate to join me. As I have echoed in years past, if selected, you will pledge to work with the other members of the Board, as a whole. I hope you heed that mandate faithfully in the execution of your duties. I look forward to Neighbors – I’ve said it before, and it bears remains all of the things it was when we originally opted to live here – whatever those reasons were for each of us. With community comes obligation; I believe we have an obligation to each other to ensure we are participating in the election process. We need people in the boardroom who are going to represent the interests of the community. The way to hold Board directors accountable is through your vote.

This year, I am using my vote to support the Stronger Together team. The team’s ethos of Fairness, Action, Transparency, and Experience speaks to the core of what I believe makes an effective director. And I am in good company, because shareholders demand these things from directors,

electric vehicles, we can generate some money here. We would begin with the garages inside but maybe bring some EV charging stations outside of the garage because there is funding from the federal government for EV stations that are adjacent to highways and for that we have 95, we have the Hutch, and we eral and state entities because I see that as the future. We need to reduce a lot of the common areas that we are not utilizing, we have some land that we can develop and build some charging stations right on that property. That would bring us that extra money. We cannot anticipate anything right now other than that coming as a way for us to generate revenue because we don’t make anything in this community, we just live basically from month to month on carry-

power. That’s a good thing. That power plant is the gift that keeps on giving.

Bernard Cylich: from the shareholders; 4% comes from the vendors, supermarkets, so forth. So there’s not much, just like you indicated, there’s not much room for us to go 320 acres, 80% is open space. We do have some space that we are considering leasing and we may be lucky. There was an offer a few years ago to do that. A hospital wanted to build one of their facilities on our property but one reason or another, we rejected that but we need to revisit that. Perhaps we can get something coming from other sources, that is, lease our land, some of the property there. That’s about all we can do, we don’t have a money machine, and we’ve appealed to the government to provide us with some funding. We sent a delegation, actually a rent strike, and we still didn’t get a dime from the state or the federal government or the city. So we’re trying to do that, trying to lease some land and get some income.

Bishop Angelo Rosario: I don’t want to lie to you, I really don’t. I really around, there’s always an increase, cost of living increase for our workers here, cost of living increase for everything we purchase and when we try to balance out the budget to see what we are going to settle on, we come back around, we ment that we have. Our structure is completely changing; I mentioned a washer them that you buy … so we have to weigh all that as it continues to grow every other year, or every year, we have to add to that budget to make sure that we could do our day-to-day operation. So if I’m going to lie to you, I could tell you, ‘oh no, we’re going to do it and we’re going to keep it at the same thing;’ no, because whatever comes in is what we use to be able to maximize whatever cost we need to be able to balance out in our daily or yearly budget but that is a hard area for us to be able to keep in the same place.

Sonia Feliciano: Our $621M mortgage included $124M for capital projects so those are restricted funds that we use for critical repairs so that is what we are using today to fund some of those projects. One of the biggest problems that we have here is insurance. Whatever happens in Alabama with tornadoes, or in Louisiana … it’s unfortunate but that’s what it is. We just paid an $8M property in our insurance company and they think it was a good deal when we were

Cast your Board Election Ballot by May 26

as well.

Leah Graham – Leah represents the best of both worlds. She is someone who has institutional Riverbay knowledge, but also a degree of newness, given her time away. Leah has a deep understanding of contracts and we can use her expertise in the boardroom as we think of ways to effectively manage how we safeguard our greatest assets. She’s a natural leader who will undoubtedly inspire us to move the needle a bit.

Shana Montgomery – With her passion for excellence and great communication skills, Shana would be the perfect new addition to the Board. Shana is a change agent who is not afraid to do research and come up with viable solutions to propel this community forward. Her curiosity will make her a wonderful colleague and I look forward to potentially working with her next year.

You should have already received your green envelope in the mail. If you haven’t voted yet, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. As always, you can contact me any time with comments or questions. The easiest way to reach me is through my Board email at awatson@riverbayboard.com. Take some time to enjoy the outdoors, if you can! Be well and I’ll see you around.

paying $3M or $4M, but this is what’s happening, but it’s not only happening to us, it’s happening across America. I, and some may think it’s a good idea, some may not, I believe that maybe we should explore ground leasing where we could lease a piece of property to a developer to build a veterans’ home or maybe a senior citizens apartment building that would generate the revenue that as much as it pains you to have to pay these carrying charge increases.

Shana Montgomery: I think we need to look in-house before we look outhouse, outside. I think we need to look at the waste inside with, and please cormany people and I believe, in my opinion or as I have been told, it’s costing us please correct me if I’m wrong. So that’s why I say we need to look in-house. I think there’s a lot of waste going on in-house and I think we’re paying a lot of wasting our money and wasting shareholders’ money. So I think we look infrom outside sources, but we really need to look in-house, and Leah Graham thing to do, is look at our budget, look at what’s going out because there’s a lot of money from shareholders coming in, including the 7.5% increase and an-

with there and then look outside for additional resources.

Following the Q&A, each candidate presented a 90-second closing statement. nel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice). The forum is also available on the Riverbay YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/l-3VD3dSdQ8 (lower case “el”-

Forum –––––– (Continued from page 11)

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Membership meeting.

The Building 10 Association would like to send a huge thank you to Tremaine O’Garro for notarizing and helping us with our

Bake Sale Fundraiser – Our annual Bake Sale fundraiser was held on April 29 and it was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who donated an assortment of baked goods. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the support we received from everyone who participated and made this another successful venture. Special thanks to Lisa and Lenise for coordinating this event. A huge thank you to Carol and Jeannie for all of your help.

Girl Scout Cookies – Our very own Girl Scout (Troop 1200) Felicia White from Building 10B will be selling girl scout cookies in the Building10 Association room (located in the rear of 120 Debs Place, Building 10B) on May 11 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Come on by and support Felicia’s Cookie Booth.

Riverbay Board Election – The Riverbay Board election began on May 1. Your ballot should have arrived in your mailbox. If you did not receive a ballot, you may contact YesElections at 855-940-4810 or by email at help+riverbay@yeselections.com. Please vote so that we will have a quorum by May 26. If a quorum is not reached, the voting will be extended and the money comes out of our pocket because we are Riverbay. Let your voice be heard.

Mental Health Awareness – May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please contact NYC Well at 1-888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to “65173.” NYC Well is a free and con-

Lifeline number is 988, you can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day.

Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

We would like to wish all who are born in May an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary!

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. Have a great week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

NAACP

Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), it profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American History.

The NYS Conference’s Second Quarterly Meeting will be held on May 13 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Nyack Middle School. If interested, please contact secretary B. Brown no later than May 6.

For further NAACP activities, go to NAACP.org.

May Mother’s Day Membership Campaign

Our NAACP chairman, Leon Russell, is asking us to continue to grow our memberships. Please hear our Mother’s Day plea. Let us hear from you! Remember, memberships are the life blood of the NAACP. In honor of Mother’s Day, we are asking for your help with getting new memberships of any denominations. We could not think of a more wonderful person to honor than our mothers – living or deceased. Remember, mothers brought us into this world. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. “Thank you.” –Membership Chair Brenda Brown

The Co-op City Branch was established in July 1973. In recognition, we have a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Pin. Purchase yours now for $20 each. Pick

NAACP Youth & College Scholarship Opportunities: Our scholarships range in award amount, academic interests, and age. Whether you are a graduating high school senior or early in your professional career, we are pleased post-educational endeavors.

Applications will open on April 17 and will close on May 21. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the Summer of 2023. For eligibility criteria and further information, go to: Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship; Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship; Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship; Hurbertus W. V. Willems Scholarship; Katherine McIntrye Scholarship; NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship; NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship; Write Your Future Scholarship; or go to: NAACP.org.

Medgar Evers College CHAMPSS/Cultivating Holistic Academic Mindsets to Promote Student Success. Freshmen, current students, full-time, transfer or re-admit degree seeking MEC students with a 2.0 or better GPA and is August 1. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please send an email to: champss@mec.cuny.edu.

Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Become a member gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Adult: $30. Youth: $10. Silver Life: $750. Make checks/money orders payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210, and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City, Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111 Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

––Brenda Brown

Section 4 Partnership

Save the date: Our next gathering will take place on May 19 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Our apologies regarding last week’s scheduled Zoom meeting. Sometimes, we spread ourselves too thin when trying to support candidates, attend association meetings, committees etc. But it is all a labor of love that more of us should commit to.

Riverbay Election time is here

We must remember that the Riverbay Board of Directors of Co-op City members are not the life blood of Co-op City, you are. Too many cooperators view the Board as an entity that directs the shareholders, when, in fact, it is the other way decisions made in this community, we cannot all be in charge simultaneously. So, we elect a Board of Directors to represent the voice of the people, (i.e., the community, the shareholders, the cooperators/residents). Each of us has some issue, topic or agenda that is close to our heart. Directors of the Riverbay Board must remember that their interests must only factor in as a part of the best decision for the community at large. Your job as a shareholder is to vote in Board directors who will stay true to the oaths they take. Some complaints come from cooperators who do not participate in the community and who form their opinions from rumors. This causes a breakdown in communications and results in a vicious cycle of misunderstandings, which leaves you and this community on the short end of the stick. It is not enough to come out once a year and vote for someone whose name is familiar to you. What does matter is involvement by you. Your involvement and mine is not only necessary, it is imperative. After reading this article, make darn sure that 10 others have read it as well.

Building Associations and Committees

We must all (in every section and every building) show up for our Building Associations and committees. We may be on Zoom or Webex or other modes of video conferencing, but that is no excuse not to show up. It is even more of a reason to attend because you do not even have to leave your home. You cannot beat that commute. We all owe it to our shared community. Think about this and make a silent pledge to get involved.

S4P Mission Statement: The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures, that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction. The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire, and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come. Contact us by emailing: section4partnership@gmail.com or phone: 347-915-4939.

“All of us divided by each one of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle Marbury

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Good day, neighbors. We have lots to write about this week. Some good news, we can once again access Dreiser Loop going straight across the greenway. No more having to walk under and through fencing. More good news, we do have a barbershop and nail technician in Dreiser Loop. Go explore your neighborhood and support our businesses.

There are too many rumors about commercial leasing. Why are long time essential businesses leaving?

There is a lot of important news in our Co-op City Times and each of us needs to read it thoroughly. For example, did you see the library is now open on Sunday afternoons. New event programs are coming during the day, a community breakfast is being held, just to name a couple of interesting events.

Super important is studying and selecting your choices for our next Board of Directors but the most important thing is to vote; that is your responsibility as a Co-op City resident in this Mitchell-Lama middle income housing development. Riverbay has made it so easy for us; mail it in or vote electronically.

Perhaps some of you have wanted to set-up bank accounts for your grandchildren. Incorrect information was given to us at a local well-known Bay Plaza for grandchildren. When you open the account for your grandchild, agree to be the custodian of the account. That means as custodian, you abide by the rules and make all deposits and withdrawals.

A permanent Grounds person has not been assigned yet in Broun Place, to my understanding. However, our replacement, Daniel, is doing an excellent job, grounds are getting new earth and they are well-cared-for.

We hope you have the copy of “Succession Rights” information, or studied it. By the way, Broun Place Townhouse Association committee is looking for Broun Place residents wanting to serve on our executive board. The secretary’s position and member-at-large are open. And please share your news with us.

Recycle gently used articles at the front or rear of Garage #6 in the bright blue and pink bins. When using the dumpster pad bins, the white bin is for paper while green and blue are for all other house garbage. Mattresses are required to be covered. Use pedestrian bins for masks; it is so important not to litter. Do not leave bags of clothes on dumpster pads or next to recycling bins. Please do not litter.

Seniors, register with the Riverbay “RUOK” emergency contact programs. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic sickness. Seniors, get involved with JASA.

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

On April 16, Velocity Track Club competed in the 48th Colgate Women’strophy/medal. Plus, they have an opportunity to earn educational grants: $2,000 Kimaris in the 100-meters.

Building 19 Association

May.

First, I want to thank those who attended the CPR last month on Saturday, April 15. The event, courthose among us who learned CPR in the past that certain things have changed. Two examples include

100-meters dash.

ters and Ezmerelis in the 200-meters.

––Coach Winston Dinkins

Second, I want to alert you to three upcoming Meeting that will be held on Friday, May 12, at the Association will hold another membership drive be setting up a box in the lobby to collect members’ suggestions, concerns, and commendations. A next week in this column.

Meeting next Friday

the Rules of the Community. Be a Responsible Cooperator.

Respect

Velocity Track Club

African-American Association of Co-op City

Greetings!

The month of May observes Arthritis Awareness Month, Better Sleep Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Walking Month and Women’s Health Care Month. All of these topics were covered during our 19th Annual Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair, and so, as promised, we offer part two of our review of the marvelous vendors, clinicians, chefs and mas-

Velva Boles, MD, PhD

Dr. Velva Boles (pictured at left) is a clinician-scientist who enjoys being civically active. She received her medical doctorate degree (MD) from the University of Pittsburgh, doctorate of philosophy degree (PhD) in Health Sciences from Concordia University, Master’s Degree in Chemistry from Duquesne University and Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina State University. Teaching experiences in the Biochemistry Department of Colorado State University; School of Nursing in Fort Collins, Colorado; Chemistry Department LSU-Alexandria and Biology Department Upper Iowa University.

Dr. Boles served as Visiting Researcher at the Center for Disease Control Zoonotic Division in Fort Collins, Colorado (1990-1992) investigating Hantavirus, Lyme Disease and Dengue Fever. She is Sr. Scientist for Westinghouse and Sr. Marketing

HUD-funded housing development with Rapides Community Ministries.

Tamika Moseley

Tamika Moseley (pictured at left) has a passion for helping others by offering expertise on holistic healing. After overcoming her own health issue and her child who was born with a fatal blood disease, she spends her time helping people all over the world who are suffering from various chronic conditions by educating on proper nutrition and vital supplements needed by the body for optimum health! Everything health! No matter your story or your history, you can turn your health issues around simply by starting to eat the right foods and taking essential minerals and vitamins that are vital to our health. This is her motto.

Join the African-American Association of Co-op City

Remember: Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call 929-430-3255 The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Upcoming AAACC Meeting and Events

May 20 – Co-op City Spelling Bee, Dreiser Center (Room 4), 12 p.m. May 21 – General Meeting via Zoom, 3 p.m. June 10 – General Meeting via Zoom, 3 p.m.

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club is hosting its Spirit of Philadelphia Bingo Cruise & Casino trip on August 22, 2023. All are cordially invited to enjoy deluxe Motor Coach transportation to Philadelphia where we will enjoy a twohour all-you-can-eat buffet, Bingo, DJ and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship. We will also enjoy a two-hour casino stay at the Parx Casino. The donation amount is $160. The payments are allowed in four installments.mediately. The 2nd payment is due April 20th, 3rd 15th. The bus will leave at 7:30 a.m. from 2085 Bartow Avenue. We will return to the same location at approximately 8:30 p.m. No children are allowed. No refunds. For tickets, please contact: James Payne, 917-992-5068; Tremaine O’Garro, 917-455-8546; Brenda Brown, 718-671-3748.

––James

Payne

The AAACC sponsors the following programs for your participation:

Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena SharpeHicks – Contact: Meena, 917-863-1507.

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” w/ Joyce Smith – Joyce, 718-320-0714.

“Each one of us multiplied by all of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle Marbury

2023 Riverbay Board Election 2023 Riverbay Board Election

2023 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

• Leah Graham

• Shanauzelda

Montgomery

• Sonia Feliciano

• Bishop Angelo

Rosario

• Bernard Cylich

• Claudia Sampson

• Andrea Leslie

Saturday, April 15th

2023 Board Election Schedule

Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement with Candidates’ Articles and Ads

Monday, April 17th Candidates to submit 2nd Election Supplement article, paid ads, by 12:00 P.M.

Saturday, April 22nd Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement with Candidates’ 2nd statement, paid ads.

Monday, April 24th Candidates to submit 3rd Election Supplement article, paid ads, by 12 P.M.

Wednesday, April 26th First Candidates’ Forum, 7:30 P.M., In-Person & Broadcast live, Dreiser Auditorium

Thursday, April 27th Mailing of Election Ballots to shareholders

Thursday, April 29th Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

Saturday, April 29th Second Election Forum, 3 P.M., In-person & broadcast from Einstein, Room 45

Monday, May 1st Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting Begin

Wednesday, May 3rd Third Election Forum, 7:30 P.M., In-person & broadcast live from Bartow, Room 31

Saturday, May 6th Re-publication of first Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Saturday, May 13th Re-publication of second Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Saturday, May 20th Re-publication of third Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Friday, May 26th Election Period Ends 9:00 P.M. (If No Quorum, See Extended Voting Period below)

Wednesday, May 31st Election Committee Public Meeting To Certify and Announce Final Count of ballots (Live & Broadcast, 7:00 P.M.)

Thursday, June 1st Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Friday, June 2nd Deadline to file electronic Challenges (5PM)

Wednesday, June 7th Swearing in of Newly Elected Board Members

Candidate statements appear on pages 28-31

NOTE: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WITHIN ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE CANDIDATES AND NOT THOSE OF RIVERBAY CORPORATION.

BALLOTING

Voting will be conducted by mail-in or online ballot

Monday, May 1 –Friday, May 26, 2023.

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

To ensure the integrity of the election, ALL mail-in ballots must be returned DIRECTLY to YesElections in the stamped, addressed envelope provided with your ballot. Under no circumstance should your election ballot be mailed back or delivered to Riverbay Corporation, or enclosed with your carrying charge payment.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by May 26, 2023.

Online votes may be cast beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023 – 9 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023. Please follow the directions included with your ballot to cast your vote online.

Election Committee Notice – Ask the Candidates

There will be three official Candidates’ Forums in the 2023 Riverbay Board of Directors election. The Election Committee is accepting questions from shareholders to be asked of the candidates at the forums. If you would like to ask a question, you may submit it by email to Riverbay2023Election@Riverbaycorp.com, or fill out an election question form at your CSO starting Monday, April 17 – Tuesday, May 2,

(Only If Needed Due to Lack Of Quorum)

Begins: Friday, May 26, at 9:01 P.M.

Ends: Friday, June 9, at 11:59 P.M.

Friday, May 26 – Continue election (as of 9:01 P.M.)

Friday, June 9 – Election period ends at 11:59 P.M.

2023. The submission must include your name and building, along with the question and which candidate/s the question is directed to (individual candidate/s or all candidates).

The three Candidates’ Forums will take place on: Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium; Saturday, April 29, 3 p.m., Rm. 45, Einstein Center; and Wednesday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center.

Extended Voting Period

Center, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

Additional Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

Friday, June 9 – Continue election (as of 9:01 P.M.)

Friday, June 23 – Election period ends at 9:00 P.M.

Wednesday, June 29 – Election Committee Review & Certify Final Count of ballots, (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

Wednesday, June 14 – Election Committee Review & Certify Final Count of ballots (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

Thursday, June 15 – Public Electronic Posting of Official Results (10 A.M.)

Friday, June 16 – Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to Election (5 P.M.)

Wednesday, June 21 – Swearing in of Elected Board Members (Bartow

2023 Election Special

Thursday, June 30 – Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results (10 A.M.)

Friday, July 1 – Deadline to file Challenges to Election (5 P.M.)

Wednesday, July 13 – Swearing in of Elected Board Members (Bartow Center, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

2023 Election Special

Dear shareholders and friends, my name is Leah Graham.I am requesting your vote in the 2023 Riverbay Board of Directors election. I am running because: 1. I love our community, 2. I want to keep Co-op City affordable, and 3. I have the experience to make quality and informed business decisions in our community’s best interest. I will focus on transparent reviews of the budget, performance evaluation of any managing agent, cost-effective solutions to concerns (e.g., convector problems), ways to mitigate community lawsuits, and support for community organizations. This community deserves forward thinking directors; I am that person.

Community Involvement – As a 25-year resident of this community, I am a current building association president and served as a Riverbay Board director for six years (between 2010 – 2016) before continuing my education in Business Administration and Leadership. As a former director, I was 1st and 2nd Vice President, and chaired several key committees. I helped initiate televised Board meetings, orientations for new directors, and remained accountable to shareholders. In 2012, I was recognized for assisting with transitioning from an expiring high interest-only mortgage

loan to a low interest fixed rate loan that kept Co-op City fiscally stable.

Reason to Elect Me, Leah Graham – I have 15+ years as a Program Analyst, extensive managerial experience, property management and project management training with a focus on process improvement. In addition, I have federal certification in contracts and am extremely familiar with budgeting and risk management. If elected, I will use my skills and experiences to help keep our community affordable and will perform to the level our community deserves.

Vote for me, Leah Graham, and Shana Montgomery. Fairness, Action, Transparency, Experience – the F.A.T.E. of this community is in your hands! We are Stronger Together!

Dear community,

As a 23-year resident of Co-op City, I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the Riverbay Board of Directors. Over the years, I have witnessed our community's progress and regression firsthand. I understand common shareholder concerns, including rising maintenance charges, building quality, and inequities.

I have the skills and experience to be a strong Board director. My 22 years as a public school educator and 15 years of corporate (legal records management) experience have given me an in-depth perspective on resolving systemic issues that can hinder a community's growth. I have extensive involvement with policy initiatives and have successfully advocated on behalf of communities. As a current union-building representative, I have a deep understanding of the collective bargaining process and would leverage those skills to add insight when Riverbay is at the bargaining table.

I have also worked to develop budgets that appropriately allocate funds to programs that benefit the community. In addition, I have planning and project management experience for several large-scale initiatives. These experiences have taught me the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, all essential qualities for a successful Board director.

If elected, I will tirelessly promote transparency, fairness, and inclusivity within our community. I will listen carefully to our shareholders' concerns and suggestions and work collaboratively with Management and the Board to address issues and find creative solutions. Additionally, I will advocate that our community remains financially stable and sustainable while making necessary improvements to our infrastructure and amenities. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

I look forward to serving our community as a Board director and contributing to its continued growth and success—Vote for me, Shana Montgomery, and Leah Graham. Fairness, Action, Transparency, Experience – the FATE of this community is in your hands! We are Stronger Together!

Leah Graham

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Leah Graham

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Dear fellow shareholders, I have been blessed with the opportunity this past year during my service as Board President to work with a community of shareholders, Board members, and Management to maintain and improve the facilities of a large complex that is over 50 years old. The Board has increased the visibility and understanding of the issues that affect our lives and has worked to create transparency, accountability, fairness, and responsibility. We have learned from you and have looked for ways that we can all share in helping improve our homes.

Working with my peers to bring about ideas, and working in committees with many members of the community have been an important part of gaining a better understanding of the issues while becoming more proactive, not reactive. We were challenged by the effects of Covid-19 causing isolation amongst many with the loss of friends and family. High inflation, high cost of goods and services, increased insurance premiums, and escalating gas and oil prices, put severe constraints on our budget affecting the entire community, but we persevered. We hired a new Executive

General Manager who will not only be responsible for the day-to-day operations and capital projects but a person who will lead us with a plan and determination of our future and the needs of the community, in collaboration with the Board and the community. In 2019, I took on the challenge of having a working Call Center, transforming it into an efficient enterprise focusing on driving value through reliable communications. It continues to evolve now with a chat line, constantly working on improvements to make it better.

We would like to continue the work we have started. I, Sonia Feliciano, am asking for your vote for the Riverbay Board of Directors. Please re-elect me, Sonia Feliciano, Claudia Sampson, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Bernard Cylich and Andrea Leslie.

I am once again in the race for the Riverbay Board of Directors. The pandemic hit hard, and we survived through suffering and loss of loved ones and friends. I will briefly state what is now considered post-pandemic.

Despite the progressive intentions that originally inspired the development of Co-op City, its share of problems both structural and financial, exist. In the past two years, the bills for repairs at Co-op City have increased due to post pandemic inflation, while the buildings themselves continue to need annual repairs. We are still laboring on outside repair work. Convectors have been to-date an unsolvable problem; we are working as a Board seeking a possible solution, one is: inserting meters that will regulate the convector leaks. Our Board of Directors is dedicated to minimizing this problem. We continue to keep up our infrastructure and power supply, yet not turning a blind eye to the needs of our seniors, children, youth, single parents, fixed income shareholders, persons with disabilities, seeking every possible way to keep it affordable and still retain the quality of life.

It has been years since we were rid of those dumpster pads that allowed

rats to plague nearby buildings. Department of Sanitation would pick up and damage the dumpsters, leaving behind trash on the pads, and the stench of trash into the second-floor units. I know that there are shareholders who may still remember. Take time to reflect – we need your eyes to inform us of the repairs needed; as you look around, see the beauty of this community, the cleanliness, despite the carelessness of some shareholders. The primary responsibility of the 15-member Board under the direction of HCR is to maintain a balanced budget without diminishing the services.

Vote for Team Impact: Myself, Bishop Rosario; Sonia Feliciano, Andrea Leslie, Claudia Sampson and Bernie Cylich.

Sonia Feliciano

Bishop Angelo Rosario

Sonia Feliciano

Bishop Angelo Rosario

Bernard Cylich

Nine years ago in 2014, when we, members of Coalition to Save Affordable Housing (CTSAH), assumed leadership of the Board and Riverbay Corporation, Co-op City was on the brink of bankruptcy, facing a $60M lawsuit and in financial free-fall. In due time, we stabilized our finances, funded $170 million major infrastructure projects without either a money-printing machine or financial relief from federal, state or city governments and with only modest carrying charge increases.

Among the essential federal and city-mandated infrastructure projects the Board approved are: ongoing Local Law 11 hi-rise facade work, $70M; state-of-the-art upgrade of 160 defective elevators, $40M; installing 65 ADA-compliant front lobby doors, $10M; installing E-Z-pass-like access in eight garages; special water filtration in all hi-rise buildings, mitigating Legionnaire’s Disease; upgrading Dreiser Center Auditorium to a firstclass venue, promising to generate rental income; upgraded the Bellamy Loop basketball courts, becoming a boon for our young people.

Carrying charge provides 96% of the Riverbay budget. Between 2016 and 2022, total carrying charge increases, compounded, have been 9.75% – less than half the 23%

Bernard Cylich

Consumer Price Index increases during the same period. Specifically, as reported in the CC Times, the current median monthly rental for a one-bedroom apartment in the Bronx is $1,900 while monthly carrying charge for a one-bedroom apartment in Co-op City – and unlike rentals, includes gas and electricity – is $900. Is this why move-out rate here is less than 1% and why 7,000 families are on our apartment waiting list?

With the lowest crime rate in the Bronx, convenient shopping, mass transportation, schools, located in a beautiful park-like setting, Co-op City is the best deal in NYC. Let’s continue the momentum. Re-elect –The Impact Team: Sonia Feliciano, Claudia Sampson, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Andrea Leslie and myself, Bernard Cylich.

There are countless individuals I’d like to thank for their kind thoughts, tireless support and well wishes over the years that I’ve served my community. By choosing to work together as a positive collective with a singular mission – to continue to build on the achievements of this Board’s leadership. In fact, we delivered results. Granted, we had a number of daunting challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, life changing events and unexpected budgetary constraints. Yet, we persisted due to the diversity, talent and solutions we each brought to the table to overcome the issues. We didn’t squander the opportunity to make an impact.

As President of the Riverbay Fund, I worked with a grant writer, Nicole Fields, various community-based organizations and our Community Project Funding Grant, with the support of Congressman Jamaal Bowman, to build a park on the Hutchinson River to promote environmental equity and sustainability without any reliance on shareholder investments. Recently, the Fund submitted proposals for funding from the City and Federal entities to renovate the former Bingo Hall

into a state-of-the-art center for our youth.

I appreciate the support of my colleagues who elected me to several leadership positions including Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, First Vice President of the Board, and President of the Riverbay Fund, along with chair of the Safety and Quality of Life Committee. By staying the course with the highly quali-

Feliciano, Bernie Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Bishop Angelo Rosario, I can continue work done — to keep Co-op City affordable and safe! There is no task too big we can’t complete if you Vote for the Impact Team — Re-Elect Sonia Feliciano, Bernie Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Bishop Angelo Rosario and me, Claudia Sampson.

Claudia Sampson

Claudia Sampson

Andrea Leslie

I am proud to be part of a Board that has made scores of accomplishments, making sound decisions, enhancing our quality of life, as well as addressing the restoration and maintenance of our infrastructure. I pledge to keep the well-being of our community forefront in my deliberations and actions working together as a team player with the Board of Directors to enhance all our lives.

As chair of the Riverbay Board of Director Internal Audit Committee, we were successful in completing the Policy and Procedure process for our Finance department. This process became a model for all other Riverbay departments becoming crucial in improving their operation.

The Internal Audit department serves as the eyes and ears for the Riverbay Board of Directors. It is essential in monitoring finances of our corporation. The department has audited numerous departments, providing crucial information to the Board as well as making major operational recommendations to Management. In consultation with the Internal Audit department, Management has been able to save millions in energy costs. The department has been integral in the utilization of our

Andrea Leslie

Yardi system — a computer program — which is digitalizing Riverbay’s entire operation, streamlining delivery of services and our operation, bringing Co-op City into the 21st century. Once it is fully operational, Yardi promises to yield substantial savings to our corporation.

If re-elected, I pledge to continue working with the Board to improve our quality of life and service delivery.

Vote Impact Team – We pledge to upgrade our infrastructure, optimize quality customer services while keeping our homes affordable.

Re-elect Andrea Leslie, Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Bishop Angelo Rosario and Claudia Sampson. We are making an impact. Keep your eyes on the prize.

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

A. GENERAL RULES

1. The Election Committee of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter, the “Election Committee” or “Committee”) shall be established during the month of January of each calendar year, or as soon thereafter as feasible.

2. The election of Directors of Riverbay Corporation will commence on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, (hereafter “Election Day”). If an official mail-in ballot is received before May 1, 2023 it shall not be disqualified based on timeliness and, if otherwise valid, shall be counted. The Election Committee reserves the right to extend voting hours. The Annual Shareholders Meeting will occur virtually and, if possible, in person, on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 7:30 PM.

3. The election will be for at least five residents to serve on the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation, and as many as may be needed to fill any unexpired terms.

4. The election shall be supervised by the Election Committee.

(a) The Chairperson of the Committee, (hereinafter “Chairperson”) shall be a member of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter “Board”), who is not a candidate in the election. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the President of the Board (the “President”), and approved by the Board.

(b) The Chairperson shall recommend to the President the appointment of such additional residents as the Chair deems prudent for membership on the Election Committee. All members shall be

Adopted March 8, 2023

resident shareholders, appointed by the President and approved by the Board.

(c) The Committee shall be assisted by Riverbay’s General Counsel.

(d) No member of the Committee or their immediate family shall in any way engage in any campaigning either for or against a candidate or slate of candidates. Committee members shall, to the extent reasonably possible, refrain from publicly commenting upon any issue in the campaign and shall not engage in any activity that may create the appearance of partiality.

The Chairperson of the Committee shall refrain from writing viewpoints during the period commencing one week prior to the Date of Certification and continuing through the date of the election, including any extended period.

(e) A member of the Committee who violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4) (d) or whose family member violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4) (d) shall immediately be removed from the Committee.

(f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as limiting a member of the Committee or a member of his/her immediate family from voting.

5. There will be one vote per occupied unit by residents who were shareholders of record on March 22, 2023. Quorum shall be determined based upon one share per occupied unit and not based upon a percentage of dwelling units.

6. Voting, by mail or electronically, shall be deemed to be “in-person” and will commence at 6:00 AM on Monday, May 1, 2023 and conclude at 9:00 PM on Friday, May 26, 2023, unless extended

in accordance with these Rules. If an official mailin ballot issued by Riverbay is received before 6:00 AM on Monday, May 1, 2023 it shall not be disqualified based on timeliness and shall be counted if otherwise valid

B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES

1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as indicated on the candidate’s stock certificate, occupancy agreement and the current Occupants Annual Affidavit of Family Income. Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of office in order to serve as a Director.

2. No more than one resident shareholder of a single unit may be a candidate for the Board; and no more than one resident shareholder from a single unit may concurrently serve as a Director.

3. No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on the date candidates are certified or on the date votes are counted. If a candidate is indebted to Riverbay on any of those days, the candidate will be disqualified. In addition, all candidates must remain current throughout the election period for unpaid carrying charges or other debts to Riverbay until the candidate is sworn in, if elected. A candidate shall not be indebted to Riverbay for purposes of this rule if their monthly carrying charges and maintenance are fully paid by the 10th day of the month in which it is due. At the close of business one day prior to the certification of candidates and weekly thereafter, Riverbay’s Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates’ indebtedness to Riverbay, if any. (Continued on page 32)

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 31)

4. Prospective candidates may, after signing the required authorizations for background checks and upon verification that they are current on their indebtedness to Riverbay, be certified as candidates for election to the Board if they:

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,

• are current in their financial obligations to the Corporation,

• do not hold a political party position or public office subject to the New York State Election Law,

• have not been convicted of a crime against the Corporation,

• have not been removed from the Corporation’s Board of Directors, or from employment with the Corporation for cause; and

• are otherwise in compliance with the requirements and qualifications of the Corporation’s by-laws, governing documents and their occupancy agreement.

(a) Prospective candidates shall sign and complete a Statement of Intent in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and submit the executed Statement of Intent to the Election Committee by email, addressed to Riverbay2023Election@riverbaycorp.com, on or before midnight on March 24, 2023. In the event that the prospective candidate lacks access to email, then the prospective candidate shall return the completed Statement of Intent to the Public Safety Department, attention Riverbay 2023 Election Committee. On the following business day, the financial status of the prospective candidate will be checked and a background check shall be initiated.

(b) A candidate who is current on a written arrearage agreement shall be considered current on charges to Riverbay if such candidate is not otherwise indebted to Riverbay.

(c) In addition to the Statement of Intent, prospective candidates must also execute and return with the Statement a document acknowledging the candidate’s receipt of the Rules, the candidate’s agreement to abide by the Rules, and an authorization to perform a background check of the candidate by the Riverbay Legal Department.

C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES

1. The Committee will verify a prospective candidate’s eligibility as valid or reject them as invalid by 12:00 noon on Friday, March 31, 2023. Notice of the Committee’s certification will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

2. The Committee shall hold a virtual briefing on the Rules for all candidates or their designees on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 8:00 PM.

3. A random drawing will be made to determine the order of placement of candidate statements and free campaign ads in each of the three election issues of the Co-op City Times and the order of speakers at the Candidates’ Forums. The drawing for order of speakers will also determine the relative position of each candidate’s name on a ballot. Candidate names on the ballot will automatically rotate. The name of each candidate on the ballot must correspond to the name of the candidate as it appears on his/her occupancy agreement and signature card, or the name by which each candidate is commonly known.

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

1. Except as provided in Rule E (3), no audio and/ or video equipment, other than personal electronic devices, may be used at Election Forums, outdoors in Co-op City, or in building lobbies, elevators, or common areas, by candidates or by those campaigning for candidates in connection with the election.

2. The posting of all campaign signs, literature and other material (posters, gummed stickers, etc.) in Co-op City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s permission. This specifically includes, but is not

limited to, lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors, garages, vehicles, commercial stores located on Riverbay property, and common areas. Candidates and their supporters are prohibited from posting campaign material on New York City property if said posting violates any City, State or Federal law.

(a) Residents, employees, candidates and their supporters may remove any improperly posted non-electronic campaign material, as a service to Co-op City, and the Committee will cause a notice to this effect to be published in the Co-op City Times.

(b) Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, remove or modify any electronic campaign material or data posted to any website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, or similar electronic forum, under the Candidate’s control, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive, or constitutes a personal attack on another candidate. Examples of a personal attack include, but are not limited to, comments upon a candidate’s physical appearance, disability, religious beliefs, gender, race, mental state, mental capacity, or false assertions of criminal acts. In addition, Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, disassociate themselves from, and request that any third-party or third-party website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, or similar electronic forum, cease and desist from the publication of any emails, materials or posting relating to the election or any candidate for election, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive or constitutes a personal attack on a candidate.

(c) Candidates shall not (i) use social media or email anonymously or under an assumed name, (ii) engage in personal attacks on fellow candidates or shareholders, or (iii) make defamatory statements. Any such conduct shall be a violation of these rules and the candidate may be subject to sanction by the Committee.

(d) Candidates and/or their supporters, shall not use robo-calling or similar systems to contact shareholders for campaigning or election related purposes.

3. Except for the material prepared and published by Riverbay as described herein, all campaign material used, posted, transmitted or distributed by or for a candidate must include the name, address, or post office box of the person or organization who issued such email or campaign material, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer.

4. Campaign literature may be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM, and campaign handouts are permitted.

5. The unauthorized use of the Riverbay logo in any form is prohibited for use in or on campaign materials, including electronic forms such as social media and e-mail.

6. No member of the Election Committee, the Board, or any of Riverbay’s employees, management staff, or contractors, can participate in any prize(s) approved by the Board during the election period.

7. Riverbay shall not be liable for any defamatory statements made by any candidate, or by any person or entity in the course of the election campaign, nor shall Riverbay be required to insure, defend or indemnify any such candidate or conduct. Candidates agree to indemnify Riverbay for any and all costs and expense incurred by Riverbay, including attorney’s fees, incurred by Riverbay in the defense of any defamation claim arising out of any statement or publication of any kind made by said candidate, or by any person or entity acting on their behalf, during the election.

8. It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present or prospective managing agents, contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, to make campaign

contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board. Directors of a corporation act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the corporation and are required to place the corporation’s interest above their personal interests. Accepting campaign contributions from parties who contract with the corporation creates at least an appearance of a conflict of interest and, in most circumstances, an actual conflict as well. Any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or in-kind from any person or entity doing business or soliciting business from Riverbay, including but not limited to the managing agent, or any vendor, union, commercial tenant, professional or contractor, their employees, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, will be disqualified.

9. No campaigning shall commence until after prospective candidates have been certified. This includes, but is not limited to distribution of campaign materials, canvassing, public meetings, etc. Any campaigning occurring prior to certification will lead to disqualification from the election.

E. USE OF CO-OP CITY FACILITIES FOR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

1. There shall be three official Candidates’ Forums conducted in person, if possible, and virtually. One forum shall take place on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Dreiser Auditorium. The second forum shall take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the Einstein Auditorium. The third forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM in Room 31 at Bartow.

(a) The Committee shall televise the forums over Riverbay’s public access channel and re-broadcast them on the web throughout the election period. The transmission by Riverbay of any statement made by any person at the forum shall not be an endorsement of any such comment or statement by Riverbay and Riverbay shall not be responsible for, nor shall it indemnify, any person or candidate who makes any false or defamatory statement.

(b) All certified candidates will be invited to participate in the forums in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee. If a candidate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidate provides the Chairperson with the reason for non-participation, the Chairperson may announce the reason why the candidate cannot participate to the audience.

(c) The Committee shall establish rules and procedures for the civil conduct of all forums, including the establishment of time limits for questions and answers, the limiting of participation, the editing of statements, and the muting, either visual or auditory, or both, of individuals, including candidates, who, in the opinion of the Chairperson, are disruptive to the orderly conduct of the virtual forum or who engage in personal or malicious attacks, or who make defamatory statements.

2. The use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings of three (3) or more people related to the election is prohibited.

3. No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one time, or for campaign rallies or activities, except as provided herein.

4. At no cost, Riverbay will publish pictures of each candidate and up to three (3) different narrative statements or articles by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 15, 2023 issue. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All candidates’ articles will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee

(Continued on page 33)

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 32)

reserves the right to delete any material which in its exclusive opinion contains libelous statements, personal attacks, or material misstatement of fact.

(a) In conjunction with the statements described herein, Riverbay will also publish at no charge a ¼-page campaign ad by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 15, 2023 issue. The same ad will be used in each of the issues and will appear opposite each candidate’s article for that week. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All ad copy will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right not to publish, or to delete any material, which, in its opinion, constitutes a libelous statement, personal attack, or material misstatement of fact.

(b) Starting on the day candidates are certified and continuing during the period of the campaign, board members who are not running for election shall be free to write Viewpoints of a “non-political” nature, except that a board member may endorse candidates in one viewpoint only. It shall not be deemed to be “political” for a non-candidate Board member to describe the activities and achievements of the Board as a whole, including the activities of any incumbent candidates. In the event Board members wish to publish a joint Viewpoint, they may do so, but only if the Viewpoint has been unanimously approved by the full Board.

(c) Management shall not endorse any candidate or slate of candidates. However, information of a non-political nature, for example, relating to the operation, management, finances or maintenance of the property, or to an emergency may be published by Management during this period of time.

(d) In the event that an article appears in a print or electronic publication other than the Riverbay sponsored publication, which is currently titled the “Co-op City Times,” in which the actions of the Board as a whole, or of an individual Board member are challenged, the Board, or the individual Board member who is challenged, shall have the right to respond in the Co-op City Times to such challenge, without regard to whether the Board member is a candidate in the election and without regard to the political nature of the comment. Any such response shall be limited to the subject matter of the challenge.

(e) Similarly, a candidate who is not a Board member may respond to a challenge directed at the conduct or action(s) of that individual candidate.

5. Campaign ads other than those provided by Riverbay may be placed in the Co-op City Times, subject to Paragraph D(3), but must be paid in full at least 48 hours before the normal deadline of an issue. The Committee will review all paid campaign ads prior to publication and reserves the right to reject any copy which, in its sole judgment, contains libelous statements, personal attacks or a material misstatement of fact.

6. (a) The election of directors to the Board is a right of residents of Co-op City. Employees living in Co-op City are encouraged to exercise their rights as residents of the community during the election within the scope of this policy. All Riverbay employees are reminded that as employees they have a duty of loyalty to Riverbay and should not engage in any activity that raises the appearance of impropriety. Participation in the electoral process must not interfere with employees’ work duties. All employees shall refrain from engaging in any activity that may be construed as an attempt to abuse their positions as employees to influence the outcome of the election. Examples of acts that may be an abuse of an employee position include soliciting donations for candidate(s), distributing campaign material for or against particular candidate(s), or engaging in any other activity that may reasonably be viewed as an abuse of position.

(b) Candidates who encourage, accept, or knowingly benefit from such prohibited participation are subject to disqualification by the Committee.

(c) This policy does not affect employees’ right to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or their right to refrain from any or all such activities.

F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION

1. Voting will be by mail and by on-line, electronic ballots. The form and content of the ballot shall be approved by the Election Committee.

2. In accordance with Riverbay’s by-laws, only one vote per occupied residential unit, cast by a resident shareholder of record residing in said unit, shall be counted.

3. All ballots, including electronic ballots, must be cast by an eligible, residential shareholder of record, and verified by such means as the Election Committee determines to be reasonable, in its sole discretion.

4. Any eligible, resident shareholder of record residing in an occupied unit may vote, but only one ballot may be cast by a unit, regardless of the number of shareholders of record residing within said unit.

5. Mailing, tabulation, collection, processing, initial counting and preservation of election ballots shall be conducted by an independent, third-party company, selected by the Board pursuant to a written contract, duly approved in accordance with all corporate and regulatory requirements. A copy of any such contract, as well as the name and address of any such independent third-party, shall be published in the Co-op City Times

6. One ballot will be mailed by the independent third-party on or about April 27, 2023 to each residential unit occupied by one or more eligible residential shareholders of record at the address set forth for said shareholder(s) of record on Riverbay’s books and records as of March 22, 2023.

7. In the event that more than one ballot is received from a single unit, only the earliest dated ballot, or the first electronically recorded ballot, shall be counted. All other ballots received from said unit shall be disregarded, but preserved until five (5) days after the period to challenge the election has passed.

8. Unless the voting period is extended or modified by the Board of Directors and/or the Election Committee, any mail-in ballot must be postmarked no later than May 26, 2023. Any electronic vote must be transmitted and received no later than 9:00 PM on May 26, 2023.

In the event that the voting period is extended or modified by the Election Committee for purposes of obtaining a quorum, the Election Committee may count any valid ballot cast by a shareholder eligible to vote during the modified period, electronically or by mail without regard to the postmarked date.

9. All ballots received, including disqualified ballots, shall be preserved until the time to challenge the election has lapsed.

10. The initial count, as recorded by the third-party independent company, shall be provided to the Election Committee no later than 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. The initial count shall set forth the total number of ballots cast, the total number of votes received by each candidate, the total number of votes cast for each candidate by building, the number of votes disqualified and the basis therefore, and the total number of ballots required for a quorum.

11. The Election Committee shall, in an open, public meeting to be conducted at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, certify the final count of the election ballots. The meeting shall also be broadcast on Riverbay’s public access channel as well as made available on Riverbay’s YouTube page.

12. Upon completion of the count, the Committee shall certify to the Board that a quorum has been obtained, the total number of votes cast, the total

number of votes disqualified, the total number of votes cast for each candidate, and the names of the candidates who have been elected, as follows:

(a) The five candidates who have received the highest number of votes will be certified to the Board as having been elected to full three-year terms.

(b) The candidate receiving the sixth highest vote shall be certified as having been elected to a vacant Board seat, if any, which will have the longest unexpired term.

(c) The Committee shall continue the certification of candidates by certifying the candidate with the next highest vote for each vacancy by the longest unexpired terms, if necessary, until all vacant seats on the Board are filled.

13. Unless an extended schedule is in effect, the Election Committee shall cause the official Certification of the Election to be publicly posted by 10:00 AM on June 1, 2023, or if the Certification has not yet been completed, as soon thereafter as possible after the conclusion of the Election Certification Meeting. Posting may be by electronic means.

14. If a quorum is not reached, the Committee may recommend that the voting period be extended for an additional fourteen (14) days, or implement an extended voting schedule, during which time shareholders eligible to vote in the election who received a ballot but did not cast a vote, shall be allowed to cast their ballot. If a quorum is not reached at the end of the extended voting period, the Board may, in its discretion, either extend the voting period for an additional extended voting period, schedule a new election, or cancel the election. Until such time as a quorum is obtained and a valid election conducted, existing Directors shall continue to hold their office.

G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT

1. The Committee may recommend the disqualification of a candidate for violation of these rules, or impose an administrative charge, not to exceed $300.00 per violation, on any candidate that it determines has violated, caused or knowingly permitted others to violate these Rules. The Committee may do so on its own initiative, or upon the complaint of another candidate or resident. However, the Committee is under no obligation to initiate a proceeding under this Section, or Section H, unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, believes it to be appropriate.

2. No candidate may be disqualified for election to the Board unless the Committee has provided the candidate with notice of its intention to consider the candidate’s disqualification for election, and conducted a hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section H below.

3. The Committee may impose an administrative charge, without conducting a formal hearing in accordance with Section H, if the Committee has provided the candidate with notice that it may impose such a fee, the reason the Committee is considering imposing a fee, and an opportunity for the candidate to appear before the Committee to contest the imposition of an administrative fee.

4. Notification of the Election Committee’s decision to impose an administrative fee will be delivered both electronically and personally to the candidate at the email address and street address provided by the candidate to the Election Committee.

5. Upon delivery of the notification of a fine, the candidate is indebted to Riverbay and payment is due on the third business day following personal delivery of the notice. Failure to pay shall render the candidate ineligible for election.

6. Any candidate may object to a determination of the Committee to impose an administrative charge, and may, within three (3) days of delivery of said determination to the candidate, request a review of such determination by the Board. The Board, in its discretion, may affirm, (Continued on page 34)

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

modify, or reverse the determination, or decline, with written explanation, to review the Committee’s determination. A request for a review shall not stay a candidate’s obligation to make payment of any administrative charge levied by the Committee.

H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS

1. Any aggrieved resident or aggrieved candidate may challenge the certification of a candidate for election, or the results of the election, or the election of any one candidate, based upon election irregularities or the failure of a candidate to meet required qualifications, by notifying the Chairperson of the challenge, by an email addressed to Riverbay2023Election@riverbaycorp.com..

2. The challenge must be in writing. Such written challenge must specifically set forth the reason and the factual basis for the challenge. Any challenge by the Committee shall be on written electronic notice to the candidate, or candidates impacted by the challenge, delivered to the candidate(s) by email and personally at the addresses provided by the Candidate when they are certified.

3. A written challenge by a candidate or shareholder eligible to vote in the election must be delivered electronically to Riverbay2023election@riverbaycorp.com no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023. The written challenge shall state the factual or legal basis for the challenge. Failure to file a timely electronic challenge by 5:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023, shall preclude consideration of the challenge by the Committee. In the event a quorum was not obtained by the May 26, 2023 close of the Election Period, the time to file an objection to the Election shall be extended until one (1) business day after the Election has been certified, to 5:00 PM on said day.

4. Should the Committee find the challenge to be without merit, it may dispense with a hearing and reject the challenge in writing.

5. If, after reviewing the challenge, the Committee determines that the challenge sets forth substantial questions concerning the certification of any candidate or candidates, or the results of the election, the Committee may hold a formal hearing, virtually or in-person at the discretion of the Committee, to review the challenge.

6. All hearings under this Section H shall be scheduled upon prior notice to the challenger and to the candidate(s) whose qualifications, certifications, or election are being challenged.

7. The hearing shall commence no later than five (5) business days after the Committee’s receipt of the challenge. The Chairperson may request that a member of the Committee recuse him/herself from the hearing if such committee member has a conflict of interest.

8. Upon notice of a formal hearing by the

Committee, the challenger or candidate whose certification is being challenged may submit electronic affidavits to the Chairperson, setting forth the charges and facts upon which the challenge is based. Such affidavits and supporting documents shall also be delivered by the challenging party, to the opposing party’s e-mail address, at least one day before the scheduled hearing.

9. At the hearing, either party may present live, or virtual testimony supporting the challenge, subject to cross-examination.

10. The proceedings shall be recorded, however, any person or party requesting a copy or transcript of any such recording shall be responsible for the costs of producing said recording or transcript.

11. No witness will be allowed to present testimony except under oath as administered by the Chairperson. No witness will be called on behalf of a challenger, unless the challenger has submitted an affidavit from the witness prior to such testimony providing the sum and substance of the witness’s testimony and served said affidavit upon the Committee and the opposing party in the manner set forth above. The challenger(s) shall also be required to appear at such hearing and may be subject to examination by the Committee or the challenged candidate(s).

12. At any hearing, General Counsel to Riverbay, or an attorney designated by General Counsel, shall advise the Committee. Any candidate or resident participant shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense.

13. At such hearing, the Chairperson shall be the presiding officer and shall make any ruling with respect to the procedure to be followed, or the testimony or evidence to be introduced. The Committee need not follow formal evidentiary rules applicable to the Courts of this State. In the event a member of the Committee present shall dispute any such procedural or evidentiary ruling by the Chair, the Chair may be overruled by a majority vote of those members present. After testimony by a witness for either party, the opposing party shall have the right to question the witness.

14. At the conclusion of such hearing, the Committee may uphold or void the election results, disqualify the candidate for a violation of these Rules, apply other sanctions as set forth in Paragraph G (1) of these Rules, or dismiss the charges brought. In order to void any election result, or to disqualify a candidate, such violation must be deemed to be material by the Committee in light of the number of votes cast for the candidate and the number cast in the election.

15. If a candidate who is disqualified received one of the highest vote counts, the disqualified candidate

shall be ineligible to take office. The candidate who received the next highest count will be certified to the Board in their place. (If more than one candidate is disqualified, the next candidate or candidates with the highest vote will be certified.)

16. The decision of the Committee shall be addressed to the Board, shall be in writing, shall state the basis for its recommendation, and shall constitute the Committee’s final certification of the election results, or the qualification of a candidate.

17. The Board, by majority vote, shall determine whether to confirm or reject the Committee’s determination. The Board shall make any such determination within ten (10) days of the date of any written recommendation of the Committee. The Board’s failure to determine the issue within ten (10) days shall, except for good cause shown, be deemed an acceptance of the Committee’s recommendation.

18. Any candidate or resident aggrieved by the Board’s final determination shall have the right to seek judicial review of the Board’s determination, provided that any such Court challenge must be commenced within ten (10) days of the Board’s decision, or within ten (10) days of the Board’s failure to render a decision.

19. The Committee may call for a recount of all ballots cast, if it is determined by the Committee that such an action is warranted. Such recount of the ballots must be completed, and the result certified by the Committee to the Board, within four days of the date the Committee determines such recount is necessary. The results of this recount, upon certification by the Committee, will constitute the final election results.

20. The Committee may call for a new election if the Committee has determined that material irregularities cast doubt on the election results, or in the event the number of votes cast did not constitute the legally required quorum. Such a new election must take place in accordance with these rules on a date within thirty (30) days after the final decision on the challenge and such election held among the previously qualified candidates.

21. By participating in the election process, candidates, prospective candidates, shareholders, and their respective agents, representatives or supporters, agree to fully comply with and be bound by these election Rules.

Sonia

Sonia Feliciano, President of Riverbay Corporation

Date: March 8, 2023

Please join us on the second Thursday of every month at our new time: 7:00 p.m. Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for May 11 in Room 16 of the Dreiser Community Center. Everyone is welcome!

Nominations for the Boards of Directors took place on March 16, followed by elections on March 23. Please welcome our new and returning board vice-president, Ivelisse Santiago; second vice president, Jose Lopez; recording secretary, Nelly Rodriguez; corresponding secretary, Carmen Rodriguez; treasurer, Octavio Cruz; assistant treasurer, Luz Peña; scholarship board of trustees, Rosaura Cruz, Luz Peña, Nelly Rodriguez, Lourdes Suarez; board of trustees, Rosaura Cruz, Milagros De Peña, Aida Gonzalez, Alfonso Gonzalez, Evangelina Gonzalez, Daliah Rodriguez, Ruben Telemaco, Alma Travieso; ex-of-tor. We extend our appreciation to those who served,

Emergency Food Pantry (Free)

920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick up or after. It is a 30/31 day rotation, on average. Black Forum will text registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receiveping bags with a handle and a shopping cart. Please do not bring black shopping bags because black ink can transfer to the food, posing a health hazard. We require masks and physical distancing.

Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 to receive food.

Spanish-American Club

and wish the best to those who will assume new responsibilities.

place on April 28 at Maestro’s. Incoming and Outgoing board members were acknowledged. We extend our grateful appreciation and best wishes to our outgoing president, Rosaura Cruz, and board members Julia Pabon, Leslie Peterson and Lourdes Suarez for their service. Member of the year (male) was presented to Javier Santiago. We also presented member of the year (female). Rosaura presented the president’s award to Nelly Rodriguez. A special award was presented to Octavio Cruz for his many years of dedicated service. Best of luck to the incoming boards; and congratulations to all those who were recognized, and many thanks to all who joined us that evening!

Tony Mondesire Scholarship Applications are available. Applications are being distributed to member households with students of higher education. The forms will be available in Room 16 of Drei-

Black Forum of Co-op City

New Client Registration

New guests living in the 10475 zip code are welcome to register for pantry services. Required documentation is as follows: NY State Driver’s license, NY State Non-Driver’s or NYC I.D (zip code 10475). Passports, Medicaid Cards, Medicare Cards, Job I.D.s and Access Ride I.D.s are not accepted. All occupants within a household must be present

have the same 10475 address. We include only verFresh Produce Distribution

Fresh fruits and vegetables will be distributed on May 16 at 11 a.m. The distribution may not start at exactly 11 a.m. because the delivery team could getcause our staff has no control over the delivery time. All guests must present their 2023 Pantry Card for this distribution. We will not do new client registrations on this day. The distribution will not count

ser Loop Center. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of the Bronx. Students must carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester at an accredited institution for at least one year. Applications must be returned by May 11, either by mail, or to a member of the scholarship board of trustees.

The Social Committee is co-sponsoring a dance on May 13! Headlined by Jose Alberto ‘El Canario,’ recently renovated Dreiser Auditorium. Tickets will be $50 in advance, more at the door. To ensure your own table, you must purchase 10 tickets (the maxiand Facebook for more information.

May’s ‘Social Saturday’ will take place on May 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Facebook (look for ‘spanamcccc’) and check our website: www.spanamcccc.synthasite.com.

––Carmen Rodriguez

towards the once a month pick-up since no canned goods will be given that day. Please have at least six clean shopping bags and a large sturdy cart. The staff cannot pack your cart, so please bring someone with you if you are not able to pack for yourself. Kindly form a line and do not block the pantry door. Masks are mandatory. We reserve the right to not serve anyone without a mask.

Grocery Bags

Black Forum has used orange bags to pack monthly packages for distribution. The cost of the bags has tripled, so the pantry will pack the canned goods directly in bags you provide. Thus, four to six sturdy and clean (non-black) bags are a must on your visit. We will return any bags not used. Please note that we reserve the right to not provide certain items if we believe cross contamination may occur. This is for your safety. Please help us by bringing enough bags.

Contact Us: Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

––D. Illis

Building 1AB Association

Good day, shareholders.

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends. Please get out and enjoy the warmer weather. As always, exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

cronesia.

Collection of Dues Extended:

Reminder:

Suggestions: sociation meeting.

Volunteers are needed: tains and decorating committees.

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Caregiver Quiz

sembly Member Michael Benedetto. Assemblyman Benedetto discussed the get and a cross section of sues that affect our mem-

April meeting with Assemblyman Benedetto (back

Score each item on a scale of 1 through 7

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 -

7 - Always

How often do you have the following experiences in caring for a loved one?

Feeling anxious ___ Feeling rejected ___ Feeling weary ___

Total Score sion is an illness that must be treated. Maintain social contacts emotional balance. –to music.

Times

––Diane Cooper

comeoutreach.org

“For while we have our eyes on history, history has its eye on us.” –Amanda Gorman

––Linda Collins

Cooperators: Please remember to curb your dog...It’s the LAW!

––Desiree Scurry

row)

Building 13 Association

As a reminder, with all of the rainy weather we have had recently, April show--

Building 22AB Association

Co-op City Times

Compactor Room: Laundry Room Etiquette:

––Betty Leak

Save the Dates: We are gearing up for our Annual Summer Fun Day Coop City Times

Visit our Facebook page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City

Rivers Run Community Garden

––Leslie Peterson

National Council of Negro Women

as follows:

Important dates (all are welcome):

––Joyce Howard

––Gail Sharbaan

Building 21 Association

Be the change you want to see…

Greetings, 21er’s! Zoom

Always stay plugged in –

Floor Captains on Each Floor – In Every Building –

All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows:

1. Contact Numbers

2. Co-op City Times

3. Elevator Notices

4. Promote

5. Encourage Your Neighbors to •

6.

If you have questions regarding the 21 Association , attend the monthly general meetings via Zoom

“Each one of us multiplied by all of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle Marbury

Greetings, retirees and friends.

Happy month of May to all. It is Kentucky Derby time today, so put on your fancy lucky hat (the bigger the hat, the bigger the luck), place your bets and sit back and enjoy the horse race while you sip on a mint julip.

Trip Committee – The Resorts World Casino trip on June 28 is waitlist only. This trip includes a show, “A Musical Tribute to Motown,” lunch and $25 in slot play. Tickets cost $140. Final payments are due before May 15. The bus will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block.

The Hunterdon Hills Playhouse trip is on July 26. Tickets are $140. This trip includes lunch, a live performance of “Remember Me” starring Joyce DeWitt and time to shop at the boutique and bakery. A deposit of $50 is required by May 16 to reserve a seat on the bus. Serita will be available in Room 19 on May 16 to accept payments. Questions regarding these trips may be addressed to Serita at 347-564-5722.

Pre-Mother's Day Floral Experience – May 11.rangements, listen to music, sip cocktails and dinner in Section 5 Center. For more information and reservations, call: 646-579-1701.

Reminder: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard. May 19–21. Time: Einstein Loop, 7:30 a.m. For informa-

AARP Chapter #4997

Welcome to May and many happy family events for the end of the school year, special days and celebrations. AARP wishes to welcome our new General Manager, Mr. Marvin Walton. We wish you the best and look forward to working well with you during this time.

holiday trip for our group. A one-day trip to see the “Miracle of Christmas” at the Sight and Sound Theatre on December 7. This includes Motor Coach transportation, lunch, reserved seats at the theatre, holiday shopping at Tanger Outlet, all for the price of $220 per person. We are continuing to sell reservations for the Hawaiian Cruise in September 2024. Prices do vary, single and double occupancy and more information can be obtained by contacting Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718379-7962.

We have monthly General Membership Meetings and the next is May 8 at 1 p.m. in Room 1 next

1946. We are open Monday-Thursday, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. We are supporting “SHRED IT!” day, planned by the NYS division of AARP on May 12. The hours of shredding are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or untilalso contact aarp.org/NYStopScams to register. If any persons would like to volunteer at the “SHRED convenience.

We would like to thank our staff for the extend-the due date. Now, we must focus on the Riverbay Board Election, which is underway. Ballots have been mailed and the quorum number is 5,002. and voting is necessary for us to meet the quorum an additional ballot and we, as shareholders, cannot afford to waste money.

Our membership drive is continuing, and you may contact Ms. Baker, 718-379-2088, or stop bytact, says that we have no new unpleasant news to share from our members and their families. To all, you remain in our prayers for continued strength and good health. If you would like to share important events in your life with us, call Mrs. Wilson 718-671-5493.

Be Safe – Be Aware – Be Healthy.

––Ann Purnell

Co-op City Times / May 6, 2023

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Scholarship Committee – May 19, is the deadline for the submission of completed scholarship applications to the scholarship committee. Applicants must be high school seniors scheduled to graduate in June 2023 and be the child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or great-great grandchild of a RoDL member whose membership is in good standing (membership paid up for the past two years). Contact JoAnn at 718710-9082 with any questions.

Entertainment Committee – Tickets are available for our annual spring luncheon to be held on June 14 at the beautiful Marina del Rey. Tickets are $110 (inEntertainment committee members will be available in Room 19 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Questions may be addressed to Daisy at 718671-6122, Georgianna at 718-379-5762 or Jay at 201310-2972.

Membership – New members and renewing members can remit a check for the $25 annual dues for

Goose Island Seniors

tion, call or text: 646-579-1701.

Resorts Casino – Atlantic City. July 20. Price: $50. Bonus: $10 to play. Wait list only. Bus pickups: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m.; and. Dreiser Loop, 8:30 a.m. Final payment due by July 3. Mask required on bus and in casino.

Maryland-Washington Crabfeast Trip – July 28 – 31. Four days. $699 quad – 979 single. $75 deposit by April 25. For more information, call or text: 646-579-1701.

Nordic Lodge, Foxwoods Casino and Tanger Outlets – August 12. Price: $190. Wait list only. For more information, call: 646-579-1701.

Nordic Lodge, Foxwoods Casino and Tanger Outlets – August 19. Price: $210. For more information, call: 646-579-1701.

Caesar’s Casino – In Atlantic City, August 22. Price: $50. Waitlist only. Bus pick-ups: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop, 8:30 a.m. Reservation by payment only. Final payment due by August 4. Mask required on bus and in casino. More information soon.

The Spinners – September 28 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Tropicana Casino until 3 p.m., then short walk to concert at 3:30 p.m. Waitlist only. Price: $140. Bonus: $25 slot play, $15 for food; $40 deposit to reserve seat on bus. Balance due. Full payment due or your seat will be given to people on waitlist. Bus pick-ups: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15; and Dreiser Loop, 8:30 a.m. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. You may also Zelle to 347-847-1941 or $app to $StephenCarlSr.

2023. Checks should be made payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” and mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Please note “new member” or “renewing member” in the memo line on your check. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.

Happy Birthday – Cheers to our May birthday celebrants. We wish you an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to all who have recently lost loved ones. Good and Welfare – We extend well wishes and prayers to all who are sick and shut-in. We pray that they will all soon see brighter days ahead.

General Meeting – Thank you to all members who attended our general membership meeting held on May 3. Your attendance made the meeting a success. Our next meeting will be held on June 7 at 1 p.m. in Room 19. We look forward to seeing you there.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

Notary – Yvonne Menefee is available for notary Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:15 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each. Refreshments. Proof of vaccination. Temperature taken at entrance.

Game Day – Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. Members only. Come socialize with other members; $1 donation. Refreshments available.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of May: Jacqueline Roy-Twiggs, Edith Gitelson, Dorothy Drayton, Emma Rumph, Bernice DeCarmo, Sonia Dixon, Edna Senior-Williams, Mary Pilla (former President), Becky Reyes, Doris Bailey, Juliana Wattley-Epps, Gerald (Jerry) Ortiz, Josephine Betancourt, Norman Hairston (deceased), Geneva Lindsey, and Hattie Overman.

Sick and Shut-in: Ella Thorne is in Workmen's Circle. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president) sends her love. You can call her at 718-753-1816.

Our club is located at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475 at Section 5 Center. Phone number: 718-379-9613. You may call (mornings) Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Evenings) Mon., Wed. and Fri., 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Tue. and Thu., 1 p.m.-9 p.m., or call, text or Zelle Stephen, 347-847-1941. Cashapp to $StephenCarlSr. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

––Stephen Roberts Sr.

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities

Casa Blanca – Oak Ridge, NJ. Tues., June 20. Deluxe Motor Coach transportation. Spectacular Show, “Magic Moments.” Family-style luncheon. Price: $125. Deadline for payment: May 19.

Common Pantry distribution scheduled for Tues., May 23, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Bartow Center, Room 31.

Annual Health and Wellness Fair – May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dreiser Auditorium.

Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi –Second Wednesday of every month in rear of JASA

Steel Drum Classes – Wednesdays, 1 p.m.-3

Medicare Information – Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12

Tues., 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.; Weds. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Einstein

Thurs., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 718320-2066. Appointment only.

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099; Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695; Passcode: 896989.

Line Dancing with Bartow Swingers – Mon., 12 p.m.-1 p.m., Bartow Center, Room 31. Wed. and Fri., 12 p.m.-1 p.m., Dreiser Center.

New Activities at Bartow Center – Notary Every second and fourth Wed., from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 31. No appointment needed. Cancelled until further notice.

Please call Einstein OAC, 718-671-5161, for appointment for: First and third Wed., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Braids, haircuts, shape-ups, twists, ponytails, curls and more.

Mon., 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

JASA Einstein Public Notary – Tues., 10 a.m.12 p.m. and Thurs., 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Please call 718671-5161.

Beware of Telephone Scammers

If you receive a telephone call demanding immediate payment using a pre-paid card, wire transfer or bitcoin, even if your Caller ID identifies a legitimate business, HANG UP and report the call. Do not divulge personal information such as Social Security number, bank account number, date of birth or any other information.

Be smart, be safe!

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice. Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

MENU Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.

Israeli Salad, Pita Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Chicken, Rice and Beans, Mixed Vegetables

Baked Sweet Potatoes, Normandy Blend Vegetables, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Cutlet, Toasted Egg Barley w/ Mushroom and Onion, Grilled Vegetables, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit & Juice

Rice, California Blend Vegetables, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Chicken, Potato Kugel, Ratatouille, Challah Bread, Fresh Fruit and Juice

Chili w/Sweet Potatoes and Corn, Steamed Green Beans

Broccoli, Bowtie Pasta, Carrots

Beans, White Rice, Arugula Salad w/Balsamic Vinaigrette, California Blend Vegetables

Bartow Center (929) 399-1394. Events held in Room 31, unless otherwise noted. Dinner

Roasted Chicken, Smashed Red Potatoes, Oriental Blend Vegetables

Einstein Center (718) 671-5161. Events held in Room 49, unless otherwise noted. Lunch

Rm. 45

Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345. Events held in Room 7, unless otherwise noted.

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10-11 a.m. Zoom only for now, 1-646-876-9923, Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173

Passcode: 855423

Stay Well Exercise w/Denise 10-11 a.m., Room 2

Piano Sing Along Class In person, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.,

Smartphone and tablet

literacy w/Julesa In person, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Rm. 2.

Computer Learning w/Ralph Zoom only: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Dial-in #: 347-893-2966, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040,

Passcode: 259554.

Blood Pressure, 1st & 3rd Tues. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Art, In-person, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tai-Chi, In-person, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Drama Class/Club In-person,1:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 4

Arthritis Exercise, In-person 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Tablet Time, In-person 1-2 p.m.

Self Defense Class In-person, 2 p.m., Rm. 2

Spanish Class (In-person) 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 7

Artopia w/Ivan 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Right after lunch.

Manicure 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Rm.7

Alert and Alive 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4

Knitting & Crochet 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Art Class w/Dmitry

Virtual, 1-3 p.m.

Massage Therapy

In-person, Every 1st & 3rd Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Bingo with Gay Brown, In-person, 1:15-2:30 p.m., Rm. 4

Co-op City Times / May 6, 2023

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Liberal Catholic Church International

177 Dreiser Loop, Room 2.

Greetings, in the name of the risen Christ. This past Sunday was truly a blessing for all in attendance. The rain did not keep us from enjoying praise and worship. Please join us as we continue to celebrate the Easter season.

All are welcome to join us as we celebrate The forth Sunday after Easter on April 23:

• 10:00 a.m., Praise and worship service

Traditional Synagogue

• 11:00 a.m., Celebration of The Holy Eucharist

• Light refreshments and fellowship will follow Prayer: “O Christ our Lord and Master, grant that as Thou hast risen from the dead, Thy people knowledge, and thence press onwards towards the mount of heavenly wisdom, where fair peace forever dwells; Thou who livest and reignest throughout the ages of ages.” Amen.

––Rev. Dorian Miceli

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718320-0844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson, cell: 917-227-4303.

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic and related repairs to our space, St. Joseph’s Church has made some adjustment to our schedule of services until further notice. We are gradually getting back to normal.

Father Johnson will conduct worship service inperson at the church on May 7 at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. The usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon will also continue.

To participate by teleconference, please dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women are having the following Fundraising Events:

in celebration of St. Joseph’s Day. Tickets now available. Donation of $5 for a book of six tickets. Please contact Valrie Payne at 347-2005850. First prize: $300, second prize: $150, and third prize: $75. Drawing will take place at the church on May 27 at 12 p.m. and winners need not be present.

• Winery bus trip to Pindar Vineyards and Tanger Outlets: On June 24. Trip includes wine tasting, sit-down luncheon at the Cooperage Inn, and shopping at the Tanger Outlets with discount coupon booklets. $140 per person. $50 holds your seat. A $90 balance is due by June 1. No refund after May 31. For more information, telephone 718-320-0844 and leave a message or contact Sheila Russell at 718-379-2654. The bus departs from Dreiser Loop promptly at 8:45 a.m.

Please be on time.

Grace and peace!

Merville Chambers

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15

135 Einstein Loop, Room 33, Bronx, NY 10475.

Mateo 11:28: Venid a mí todos los que estáis cansados... y te daré descanso.

Paz de Dios sea con ustedes.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 les hace una cordial invitación a la comunidad hispana a congregarse con nosotros.

Si usted está buscando una iglesia para adorar a nuestro Señor Jesucristo, si se siente solo, herido, deprimido o si necesita liberación nuestras puertas están abiertas para recibirlos. Cristo está dispuesto y es capaz de liberarte y sanarte.

Él nos ama tanto que dejo su Trono de Gloria para salvarnos.

Juan 14:2: En la casa de mi Padre muchas moradas hay; si así no fuera, yo os lo hubiera dicho; voy, pues, a preparar lugar para vosotros.

Nuestra iglesia se encuentra en el centro comunitario de 135 Einstein Loop, Salón #33.

Servicios Ofrecidos:

Lunes – Servicio de Oración por teléfono: 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; Código: 696248)

Martes – Estudio Bíblico por Zoom: 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; Código: 3jEJ2W)

Jueves – Servicio de Oración por teléfono: 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; código: 696248)

Viernes – Estudio Bíblico por Zoom: 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; Código: 3jEJ2W)

Domingos – Servicio de Adoración: 11:30 a.m.

La Santa Cena es el 1er Domingo del mes

Que Dios le bendiga y recuerda que Cristo te ama.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15

135 Einstein Loop, Room 33, Bronx, NY 10475.

Matthew 11:28: Come to me, all who are weary... and I will give you rest.

May the peace of the Lord be with you.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 cordially invites the Hispanic community to come gather and worship with us.

If you are looking for a church to worship our Lord and Savior, if you feel alone, wounded, depressed, if you need liberation, our doors are open to receive you. Jesus is willing and able to free you and heal you.

He loves us so much that he left his Throne of Glory to save us.

John 14:2: In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

Our church is located at 135 Einstein Loop

Community Center, Room #33. Services Offered:

Monday – Prayer Service by phone: 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; Code: 696248)

Tuesday – Zoom Bible Study: 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; Code: 3jEJ2W)

Thursday – Prayer Service by phone: 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; Code: 696248)

Friday – Zoom Bible Study: 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; Code: 3jEJ2W)

Sundays – Worship Service: 11:30 a.m. Holy Communion is the 1st Sunday of the month. God bless you and remember, Jesus loves you.

––Blanca Santana

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-ofCo-op-City to donate.

The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services.

Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B.

Saturday morning services will start at 10 a.m. General Information

The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is accessible, no steps. Phone number: 718-379-6920.

a message.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 6, at 8:49 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, May 12, at 7:42 p.m. Good and Welfare:

honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347 4495005). Mazel Tov, to all having simchas. If you are ill, we wish you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all Members: Happy Birthday to our members Scott Katz and Karla Klaus who will be celebrating their birthday or anniversary in May. Please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games: After services and Kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

Amid

Community Protestant Church

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; Church number: 718-862-9172; Fax #: 718-671-4416 or Email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org.

Our schedule is as follows:

(In-person)

Sunday Morning Worship – 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:15 a.m.

Every Wednesday – Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer, 12:00 Noon; Conference Call Line: (712) 432-3900; Access Code: 343284#

Every Wednesday – 7:00 p.m., Bible Study via Zoom.

Sunday, May 7, at 11:00 a.m., we will be celebrating our Pastor’s birthday during the 11:00 a.m. service. Our Guest Preacher will be Rev. Audrey Jones, Associate Minister, Friendly Baptist Church, Bronx, NY, and at 3:00 p.m., the Shepherd’s Ministry will celebrate their Anniversary. The Guest Preacher will be Rev. Frank Hawkins, pastor of Greater Central, Harlem, NY. Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

––Sarita Tidball

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2023 is: (Luke 10:27) “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”

Sunday service will be at 11:00 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken.

Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7:00 p.m. The Conference Line number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388.

April 30 Worship Service: “Wake Up Dress Up!”

Scripture: (Romans 13:11-14) “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, But, put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not

Save the Dates:

Women’s Day – May 21 at the 11:00 a.m. service with speaker Minister Dianne Thomas. The theme is “Women Abounding in God’s Love” (Colossians 3:14). To demonstrate our oneness in Christ, women are kindly requested to wear white. All are invited to join us.

Women’s Paint andSip – June 24 with a meal at 2:00 p.m. Donation: $30. To attend, RSVP with Sis. L. Scott, 917-295-9511, or Sis. Y. Brightman, 917969-0761, by June 14.

Annual Church Picnic at Glen Island Park – July 15. All invited.

“Moses” at the Sight and SoundTheatre – August 10. Lunch at Golden Corral prior to the 3:00 p.m. show. Adults: $190, and youth: $150. Deposit: $30 to reserve your seat. No refunds. Final payment due July 15.Note: There 917-667-4229, or Hermena Smith, 718-708-5035, or email: info@churchnewvisionbx.org.

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you.

––Brenda Brown

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow in-person at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Masks are required. The 11:00 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102; Zoom Telephone Conference Line: 646-568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

The church Free Call Conference.com Line dial-in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone to call into Sunday Worship service or Wednesday Bible class using Zoom through your computer or dialing in using the Zoom information shown above.

We will celebrate the National Day of Prayer on May 4 at noon. The service will be done from home by Zoom and on the church Conference Call Line. The access information for both is shown above.

Young Teens Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m., call-in number: 701-8025240, Access Code: 2528913. Teens Class is held at 9:30 a.m. Call-in number: 702-843-2644, Access Code: 2676710. Juniors Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m., Call-in number: 737-774-8306, Access Code: Juniors.

Mid-Week Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Prayer Warriors Prayer Service is held on Thursdays at 12 p.m. Prayer Service is also held on Fridays at 10 a.m.

Friday Evening Prayer service is held at 7:30 p.m. Please note that Friday

All Prayer Services are available on the Free Call Conference.com Line dial-in number shown above.

The church has a free app available on your app store by searching for: Co Op CBC.

Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Please continue to mask-up, practice social distancing and stay safe!

“God will strengthen us as we continue to travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”. (Psalm 46:1) The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible Study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

––Hattie L. Lucas

SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall ful and meaningful living while building a commupowering acts of kindness.

Jazzmobile Returns

Public Safety

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(Continued from page 7)

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

JASA renewed the Jazzmobile series with the season’s first feature, “Swinging with Candy and Sammy.”

Samuel Coleman (Sammy) and Candice Michelle Franklin (Candy) opened the class with an exercise before introducing themselves to the fourteen seniors in attendance. They encouraged their students to drink lots of water during the class and to take breaks when needed. The duo, who educate from elementary school to college and adults, explained that the routine they were teaching was a form of Jazz dance.

“We always have to make sure to explain the history to let the kids know that they’re not doing anything new,” said Coleman. “They’re doing things that their great-grandparents did.”

They taught the Lindy Hop, one of many types of Jazz movements which, they maintained, inspired dance from fraternities and sororities to musical groups like the Temptations and New Edition. It is a partner-oriented dance with one person leading and the other following.

Franklin motivated the women to step into maledominated areas of dancing, and to feel comfortable as leaders.

“If females start learning the male roles, that will flip the script because now they’ll be able to teach,” said Franklin.

The seniors danced to songs like The Three Sounds’ “On Green Dolphin Street” from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 2. Everyone, regardless of experience, is welcome to attend the swing class every Tuesday until May 23.

MetroCard Bus

The bus only makes one stop in Co-op City: between

For more MetroCard information, please visit new.mta.info/fares.

Photos by P.M. Campbell